tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52352172024-03-27T22:28:15.189-07:00Write, Breathe, LiveRuth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.comBlogger1959125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-9331640216903514922022-07-31T22:00:00.017-07:002022-08-02T02:30:47.767-07:00A Parking Lot Story<p style="text-align: justify;">“Please, Sir, please help me!” cried an old lady as we passed her by while we look for a parking spot near the supermarket earlier today. She was standing in the middle of the parking lot with a pushcart and a bag of groceries inside it. My husband stopped the car and she came nearer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Please, can you bring me to my house? I live at **** street. Please!” she begged us. Hubby and I looked at each other before I stepped out of the car. Hubby asked her if she’s with anyone and the old lady said she lives alone and the bus hasn’t come by in the past hour. Because it’s a Sunday, bus schedules do tend to be erratic on weekends when there aren’t students and a lot of workers needing a ride.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Without being prompted, she hurriedly took the passenger seat I vacated. Probably because she was afraid we’d change our minds. I told hubby I’d go ahead and buy the groceries while he brings the old lady home. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhD465LbcoSvu3MFZ_Y6o6nAUnndwjdTiA5NfK2N47G_Xl5hUGHugbyu7anZqnoISWI_a2JlKaGglYffVnOl50j_xhLfwnx_yiVuxASWq-LIt2uU2bEiZRSCfgfUV7v-4_xV3VH5NH-vg8VX08iUKI0V_bDiQZwjKl_vW617EJ5x02wg/s800/parking%20lot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhD465LbcoSvu3MFZ_Y6o6nAUnndwjdTiA5NfK2N47G_Xl5hUGHugbyu7anZqnoISWI_a2JlKaGglYffVnOl50j_xhLfwnx_yiVuxASWq-LIt2uU2bEiZRSCfgfUV7v-4_xV3VH5NH-vg8VX08iUKI0V_bDiQZwjKl_vW617EJ5x02wg/w400-h300/parking%20lot.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>“Mag-ingat ka ha!”</i> (Take care of yourself!) I said in Tagalog, a bit apprehensive at the thought that there’s a possibility of scamming and that our vehicle might end up being carjacked or something. In my defense, it’s hard to trust people nowadays given all the bad elements being reported in the news daily!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow, off they went as I entered the grocery store. Every now and then, I'd check hubby’s location in <b>Google Maps</b> while praying he’s okay. Long story short, he arrived just as I finished paying at the cash register.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On our way home, he told me what he and the old lady talked about during the ride. He found out that she’s a widow and is renting a small room. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Are you <b>Filipino</b>?” she wanted to know. “Yes,” said my hubby. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Oh, I know other Filipinos. They’re very nice, too!” </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The old lady then inquired if he has drinking water in the car because she’s already dehydrated and was afraid she might pass out while waiting for the bus. Unfortunately, we’ve already drank all the beverages we brought earlier. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Asked about her kids, she said they live a few cities away and she only gets to see them when she asks if she can visit her grandkids. When they invite her over, she takes the bus to go there. They don’t fetch her with their cars.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Why don’t you just live with them so they can take care of you?” asked hubby.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Oh no, no! They have their own lives now. And I’m fine where I am,” she replied. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I felt really sad upon hearing that part because she definitely wasn’t fine when we met her and it seems like her kids do not even check up on her often enough to make sure she’s doing all right.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am thankful though that we were able to help her get home safely. I pray that if she experiences the same thing in the future, she’ll encounter other people whose desire to help would also win over any apprehensions. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">With so many bad things happening all around us, it’s so easy to say NO to a stranger’s request for personal safety’s sake. But, I hope that after reading this, you may also be led to listen to that inner voice telling you to go ahead and let God take care of the rest.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-86506332478065450482022-05-18T22:04:00.001-07:002022-05-18T22:41:11.212-07:00Full Transcript of Taylor Swift's NYU 2022 Commencement Speech<p style="text-align: justify;">So I listened several times to <b>Taylor Swift</b>'s speech when she accepted her <b>Honorary Doctorate Degree</b> earlier today from <b>New York University</b> at <b>Yankee Stadium</b> and ended up transcribing it so I can just read it whenever I need some encouragement. In case you'd like more information why she received the degree of <b>Doctor of Fine Arts Honoris Causa</b>, please read my <u><a href="https://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2022/05/why-taylor-swift-got-honorary-doctorate.html" target="_blank">previous blog post</a></u>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5W1LT5Ds7BTU0ghjg1HI4TFl-NAeDNhrwgqz6mqN1Zljjjo8vvLr4yglJXEAPH8uJarpcCTbH0eNUP_4aJcZRYD0OlSfFw4_Coi3m6pawsLcbUWQlGZ8Wdnranvs0Jti0cgOWKd8w8EKxkJigsK5nLcbrUf79pYqfvPlIeE4NoT_7N4/s2870/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20Doctor%20of%20Fine%20Arts.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="2870" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5W1LT5Ds7BTU0ghjg1HI4TFl-NAeDNhrwgqz6mqN1Zljjjo8vvLr4yglJXEAPH8uJarpcCTbH0eNUP_4aJcZRYD0OlSfFw4_Coi3m6pawsLcbUWQlGZ8Wdnranvs0Jti0cgOWKd8w8EKxkJigsK5nLcbrUf79pYqfvPlIeE4NoT_7N4/w400-h217/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20Doctor%20of%20Fine%20Arts.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">As someone who also loves to write, one of the first things that made me a <b>Certified Swiftie</b> was the way Taylor cleverly weaves words into things of beauty. Many times, after listening to her songs and interviews, I am left amazed and inspired.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In this blog post, I would just like to honor this woman who keeps motivating me and millions of others with her insightful takes about life. I hope you who are reading this would also appreciate the many nuggets of wisdom she shared ...</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Hi, I’m Taylor.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Last time I was in a stadium this size, I was dancing in heels and wearing a glittery leotard. This outfit is much more comfortable. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I would like to say a huge thank you to <b>NYU‘s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bill Berkeley</b> and all the trustees and members of the board, <b>NYU’s President Andrew Hamilton</b>, <b>Provost Katherine Fleming</b>, and the faculty and alumni here today who have made this day possible. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_4MJYpe9XWPgTgoe4NfnZr6wMPcJMpn08BzGMXox7UehEBi6GCfZqtrmGAF1wqxSIezylfvWzXvVTzH0V7_K3EZHLJj7e8rDYTWJtJzFbuS1uRSfIiCA8mKGsD271MPXsT_Z0CvYzinANJ2v2ln23o3BZz5-auzLCt7ayBis5C4_NDU/s2856/Taylor%20Swift%20Why%20can%20we%20eat%20salad%20and%20not%20grass%3F.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="2856" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_4MJYpe9XWPgTgoe4NfnZr6wMPcJMpn08BzGMXox7UehEBi6GCfZqtrmGAF1wqxSIezylfvWzXvVTzH0V7_K3EZHLJj7e8rDYTWJtJzFbuS1uRSfIiCA8mKGsD271MPXsT_Z0CvYzinANJ2v2ln23o3BZz5-auzLCt7ayBis5C4_NDU/w400-h217/Taylor%20Swift%20Why%20can%20we%20eat%20salad%20and%20not%20grass%3F.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I feel so proud to share this day with my fellow honorees <b>Susan Hockfield</b> and <b>Felix Matos Rodriguez</b>, who humble me with the ways they improve our world with their work. As for me, I’m 90% sure the main reason I’m here is because I have a song called "22". And let me just say, I am elated to be here with you today as we celebrate and graduate <b>New York University’s Class of 2022</b>.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Not a single one of us here today has done it alone. We are each a patchwork quilt of those who have loved us, those who have believed in our futures, those who showed us empathy and kindness or told us the truth even when it wasn’t easy to hear. Those who told us we could do it when there was absolutely no proof of that. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Someone read stories to you and taught you to dream and offered up some moral code of right and wrong for you to try and live by. Someone tried their best to explain every concept in this insanely complex world to the child that was you as you asked a bazillion questions like, “How does the moon work?” and “Why can we eat salad but not grass?" </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mbrhkfq8BIf1n7Srg-qabPmIp5bJ8xFYl0w6E9fzuuJXuBxFltm-nxQxE8uCCmwUQJA6RwS5Cy8w2L_mnAeBDrgyLy4oEf5wsYN_8DEpag-5NE2kDy--kzvjXYzoi2rf07dQUDwNEuDK-W_KizQViNts9zcg7VNktRq4ttv-ECtA3x8/s2854/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20on%20salad%20not%20grass.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2854" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mbrhkfq8BIf1n7Srg-qabPmIp5bJ8xFYl0w6E9fzuuJXuBxFltm-nxQxE8uCCmwUQJA6RwS5Cy8w2L_mnAeBDrgyLy4oEf5wsYN_8DEpag-5NE2kDy--kzvjXYzoi2rf07dQUDwNEuDK-W_KizQViNts9zcg7VNktRq4ttv-ECtA3x8/w400-h217/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20on%20salad%20not%20grass.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>And maybe they didn’t do it perfectly. No one ever can. Maybe they aren’t with us anymore, and in that case I hope you’ll remember them today. If they are here in this stadium, I hope you’ll find your own way to express your gratitude for all the steps and missteps that have led us to this common destination. </i><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I know that words are supposed to be my “thing,” but I will never be able to find the words to thank my mom and dad, my brother Austin, for the sacrifices they made every day so that I could go from singing in coffee houses to standing up here with you all today because no words would ever be enough. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>To all the incredible parents, family members, mentors, teachers, allies, friends, and loved ones here today who have supported these students in their pursuit of educational enrichment, let me say to you now — <b>Welcome to New York</b>, it’s been waiting for you. </i><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F7tMB9I3_rXwI9cvKXUHK-dsRqgpRjSemawHSjoPbFs-u0aLFk_CjJ0YJ375VmrU67RJVzx1cXMqoA_97IafGKIWMAwkstV-Q7WruaUTLLebSze0JVEbipxw5rx_I3FweGZGL7nl_pUjohaOI7bzasJIb0vCY45I-4AcVHNyFRNHXRs/s2854/Taylor%20Swift%20I'm%20a%20Doctor%20Now.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2854" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F7tMB9I3_rXwI9cvKXUHK-dsRqgpRjSemawHSjoPbFs-u0aLFk_CjJ0YJ375VmrU67RJVzx1cXMqoA_97IafGKIWMAwkstV-Q7WruaUTLLebSze0JVEbipxw5rx_I3FweGZGL7nl_pUjohaOI7bzasJIb0vCY45I-4AcVHNyFRNHXRs/w400-h211/Taylor%20Swift%20I'm%20a%20Doctor%20Now.png" width="400" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I’d like to thank NYU for making me, technically on paper at least, a doctor. Not the type of doctor you would want around in the case of an emergency; unless your specific emergency was that you desperately needed to hear a song with a catchy hook and an intensely cathartic bridge section. Or, if your emergency was that you needed a person who can name over 50 breeds of cats in one minute.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I never got to have the normal college experience, per se. I went to public high school until tenth grade and then finished my education doing homeschool work on the floors of airport terminals. Then I went out on the road for radio tour, which sounds incredibly glamorous but, in reality, it consisted of a rental car, motels, and my mom and I pretending to have loud mother-daughter fights with each other during boarding so no one would want the empty seat between us on Southwest. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>As a kid, I always thought I would go away to college, imagining the posters I’d hang on the wall of my freshmen dorm. I even set the ending of my music video for my song <b>Love Story</b> at my fantasy imaginary college, where I meet a male model reading a book on the grass and with one single glance, we realize we had been in love in our past lives. Which is exactly what you guys all experienced at some point in the last four years, right?</i><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj8jrX5sDzlKcNDJ7NedqdS3WEiW3WpnuRkacghbFbjOrueyd4aBoTqfq0GkMgqx3bj_FHj9BvwAu_DcsSjgCQo6fxNUkKMO7yh-chBNXBsoIpnGIZqyQHk8U0ttuOCvZ0g8T2WUH5unr6C0uzxUgTfj9ae3kJJFL_9_0NWimDEISgwY/s2860/NYU%202022%20the%20lucky%20ones.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="2860" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj8jrX5sDzlKcNDJ7NedqdS3WEiW3WpnuRkacghbFbjOrueyd4aBoTqfq0GkMgqx3bj_FHj9BvwAu_DcsSjgCQo6fxNUkKMO7yh-chBNXBsoIpnGIZqyQHk8U0ttuOCvZ0g8T2WUH5unr6C0uzxUgTfj9ae3kJJFL_9_0NWimDEISgwY/w400-h216/NYU%202022%20the%20lucky%20ones.png" width="400" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>But I really can’t complain about not having a normal college experience to you because you went to NYU during a <b>global pandemic</b>; being essentially locked into your dorms and having to do classes over <b>Zoom</b>. Everyone in college during normal times stresses about test scores, but on top of that, you also had to pass like a thousand <b>COVID tests</b>. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I imagine the idea of a normal college experience was all you wanted, too. But in this case, you and I both learned that you don’t always get all the things in the bag that you selected from the menu in the delivery service that is life. You get what you get. And as I would like to say to you, wholeheartedly, you should be very proud of what you’ve done with it. Today, you leave New York University and then you go out into the world searching what’s next. And so will I.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>So as a rule, I try not to give anyone unsolicited advice unless they ask for it. I’ll go into this more later. I guess I have been officially solicited in this situation to impart whatever wisdom I might have, to tell you things that has helped me so far in my life. Please bear in mind that I, in no way, feel qualified to tell you what to do. You’ve worked and struggled and sacrificed and studied and dreamed your way here today and so, you know what you’re doing. You’ll do things differently than I did them and for different reasons. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOlVrWF5CZD9BwfnVKYIvQDr-dwbrE61EcDQB6o82SdMztIU1Pn6IeCD_GWNaA0YHNK2mQf2_IZVcJB5ksA0q_TI_fYE1ETpfGNKd2ypdi1TB54W0KJCq6Bx_h0RL10iRocU9HlUeDubKyHYBQwpxwSwJeohureU4g4YcfzMv3OToPFI/s2844/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20hand%20up.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2844" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOlVrWF5CZD9BwfnVKYIvQDr-dwbrE61EcDQB6o82SdMztIU1Pn6IeCD_GWNaA0YHNK2mQf2_IZVcJB5ksA0q_TI_fYE1ETpfGNKd2ypdi1TB54W0KJCq6Bx_h0RL10iRocU9HlUeDubKyHYBQwpxwSwJeohureU4g4YcfzMv3OToPFI/w400-h220/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20hand%20up.png" width="400" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>So I won’t tell you what to do ‘coz no one likes that. I will, however, give you some <b>life hacks</b> I wish I knew when I was starting out my dreams of a career and navigating life, love, pressure, choices, shame, hope, and friendship.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>The first of which is — <b><u>life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once</u></b>. Part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch and release. What I mean by that is knowing what things to keep and what things to release. You can’t carry all things, all grudges, all updates on your ex, all enviable promotions your school bully got at the hedge fund his uncle started. <b><u>Decide what is yours to hold and let the rest go</u></b>. Oftentimes, the good things in your life are lighter anyway, so there’s more room for them. One toxic relationship can outweigh so many wonderful, simple joys. <b><u>You get to pick what your life has time and room for.</u></b> Be discerning. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Secondly, <b><u>learn to live alongside cringe.</u></b> No matter how hard you try to avoid being cringe, you will look back on your life and cringe retrospectively. <b><u>Cringe is unavoidable over a lifetime.</u></b> Even the term “cringe” might someday be deemed “cringe.” I promise you, you’re probably doing or wearing something right now that you will look back on later and find revolting and hilarious. You can’t avoid it, so don’t try to. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>For example, I had a phase where, for the entirety of 2012, I dressed like a 1950s housewife. But you know what? I was having fun. Trends and phases are fun. Looking back and laughing is fun. And while we’re talking about things that make us squirm but really shouldn’t, I’d like to say that I’m a big advocate for not hiding your enthusiasm for things. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRYaodIxYtcUBQUQ3z9lGb-drT0UeE174atqfQjki-woPWiseas6FxJKkUbxaRBIdeVGNCSkf4wTqFvFcjVXIJWnQzNPZr1XNDFDb6NzlWWmxVFmJSmxfARmbtZb_73rgboWLr7z3OSpqM9mIXULUZWR2srk49bGxj60ei3qT7Ql6xDM/s2848/Taylor%20Swift%20optimist.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="2848" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRYaodIxYtcUBQUQ3z9lGb-drT0UeE174atqfQjki-woPWiseas6FxJKkUbxaRBIdeVGNCSkf4wTqFvFcjVXIJWnQzNPZr1XNDFDb6NzlWWmxVFmJSmxfARmbtZb_73rgboWLr7z3OSpqM9mIXULUZWR2srk49bGxj60ei3qT7Ql6xDM/w400-h219/Taylor%20Swift%20optimist.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>It seems to me that there is a false stigma around eagerness in our culture of unbothered ambivalence. This outlook perpetuates the idea that it’s not cool to “want it.” That people who don’t try are fundamentally more chic than people who do. And I wouldn’t know because I’ve been a lot of things but I’ve never been an expert on chic. But I’m the one who’s up here so you have to listen to me when I say this -- <b><u>Never be ashamed of trying.</u></b> Effortlessness is a myth! The people who wanted it the least were the ones I wanted to date and be friends with in high school. The people who want it most are the people I now hire to work for my company. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I started writing songs when I was 12 and since then, it’s been the compass guiding my life and, in turn, my life guided my writing. Everything I do is just an extension of my writing, whether it’s directing videos or a short film, creating the visuals for a tour, or standing on a stage performing. Everything is connected by my love of the craft, the thrill of working through ideas and narrowing them down, and polishing it all up in the end; editing, waking up in the middle of the night, and throwing out the old idea because you just thought of a newer, better one or a plot device that ties the whole thing together. There’s a reason they call it a hook. Sometimes a string of words just ensnares me and I can’t focus on anything until it’s been recorded or written down. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>As a songwriter, I’ve never been able to sit still, or stay in one creative place for too long. I’ve made and released 11 albums and in the process, I’ve switched genres from country to pop to alternative to folk. And this might sound like a very songwriter-centric line of discussion but in a way, <b><u>I really do think we are all writers.</u></b> And most of us write in a different voice for different situations. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wBwzeVADF5Fo6u1D0tVzdMZpCSGzZ_TCIuW-BF_06CfRFGDXmGc6SDNVCqUXBuzxV1sOQDdLi2EifjMt4iiYqUw7zP2BKrpQaN7CT1gD2qBqKPcVXIRYB5zLQJNx1cajnb9eIdrEb6paYmbli4JArSk8HFh5cCNJfpuvl0zlbNENH0o/s2840/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20we%20are%20all%20writers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2840" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wBwzeVADF5Fo6u1D0tVzdMZpCSGzZ_TCIuW-BF_06CfRFGDXmGc6SDNVCqUXBuzxV1sOQDdLi2EifjMt4iiYqUw7zP2BKrpQaN7CT1gD2qBqKPcVXIRYB5zLQJNx1cajnb9eIdrEb6paYmbli4JArSk8HFh5cCNJfpuvl0zlbNENH0o/w400-h219/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20we%20are%20all%20writers.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>You write differently in your Instagram stories than you do your senior thesis. You send a different type of email to your boss than you do your best friend from home. <b><u>We are all literary chameleons and I think it’s fascinating.</u></b> It’s just a continuation of the idea that we are so many things all the time. And I know it can be really overwhelming figuring out who to be and when, who you are now, and how to act in order to get where you want to go. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I have some good news — it’s totally up to you. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I have some terrifying news — it’s totally up to you!</i><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I said to you earlier that I don’t ever offer advice unless someone asks me for it and now I’ll tell you why. As a person who started my very public career at the age of 15, it came with a price. And that price was years of unsolicited advice. Being the youngest person in every room for over a decade meant that I was constantly being issued warnings from older members of the music industry, media, interviewers, executives. And this advice often presented itself as thinly veiled warnings. See, I was a teenager, at a time when our society was absolutely obsessed with the idea of having perfect young female role models. It felt like every interview I did included slight barbs by the interviewer about me one day “running off the rails.”And that meant a different thing to every one person who said it to me. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mi0P8qVfRBx14zYUPomZWVJA7E1l0nEv4cYFbfMKUS4siATj8TePtejXRbSHTu-_apLvavpUIFBK1x9Jt84YQDtghxgJp_RCSsC04nyJpFyZQkERBC7o2cMu1ltviMvzQvjb0dvwjZi3zS0DIpvILdU33Wz31Imxx5hor9vctERCZB0/s2858/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20look%20up.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="2858" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mi0P8qVfRBx14zYUPomZWVJA7E1l0nEv4cYFbfMKUS4siATj8TePtejXRbSHTu-_apLvavpUIFBK1x9Jt84YQDtghxgJp_RCSsC04nyJpFyZQkERBC7o2cMu1ltviMvzQvjb0dvwjZi3zS0DIpvILdU33Wz31Imxx5hor9vctERCZB0/w400-h217/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%20look%20up.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>So I became a young adult while being fed the message that if I didn’t make any mistakes, all the children of America would grow up to be perfect angels. However, if I did slip up, the entire earth would fall off its axis and it would be entirely my fault and I would go to pop star jail forever and ever. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>It was all centered around the idea that mistakes equal failure and ultimately, the loss of any chance at a happy or rewarding life. This has not been my experience. <b><u>My experience has been that my mistakes led to the best things in my life.</u></b> And being embarrassed when you mess up is part of the human experience. Getting back up, dusting yourself off, and seeing who still wants to hang out with you afterward and laugh about it? That’s a gift.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>The times I was told “no” or wasn’t included, wasn’t chosen, didn’t win, didn’t make the cut — looking back, it really feels like those moments were as important, if not more crucial, than the moments I was told “yes.”</i><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlbI4qBWvT3tHXWUAAboZhj0Vy4x9H2osIBCutpmUXOPUodjKGtfkFCTak8lPgZEPckKIUUq7LgC_N5sA79XGhJCigI7Lz4Wv2NY4KsVqzXMInF1Ff6qyRpqfm5IorMHOhql3a0zzrMHkWOHS2D7m431Hh_53uUTLeacooOQviULEVII/s2864/Taylor%20Swift%20at%20NYU.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="2864" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlbI4qBWvT3tHXWUAAboZhj0Vy4x9H2osIBCutpmUXOPUodjKGtfkFCTak8lPgZEPckKIUUq7LgC_N5sA79XGhJCigI7Lz4Wv2NY4KsVqzXMInF1Ff6qyRpqfm5IorMHOhql3a0zzrMHkWOHS2D7m431Hh_53uUTLeacooOQviULEVII/w400-h219/Taylor%20Swift%20at%20NYU.png" width="400" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Not being invited to the parties and sleepovers in my hometown made me feel hopelessly lonely. But because I felt alone, I would sit in my room and write the songs that would get me a ticket somewhere else. Having label executives in <b>Nashville</b> tell me that only 35-year-old housewives listen to country music and there was no place for a 13-year-old on their roster made me cry in the car on the way home. But then I’d post my songs on my <b>MySpace</b> — yes, MySpace — and I would message with other teenagers like me who loved country music but just didn’t have anyone singing from their perspective. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Having journalists write in-depth, oftentimes critical, pieces about who they perceive me to be made me feel like I was living in some weird simulation. But it also made me look inward to learn about who I actually am. Having the world treat my love life like a spectator sport in which I lose every single game was not a great way to date in my teens and twenties! But it taught me to protect my private life fiercely. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Being publicly humiliated over and over again at a young age was excruciatingly painful but it forced me to devalue the ridiculous notion of minute by minute, ever-fluctuating social relevance and likability. Getting canceled on the internet and nearly losing my career gave me an excellent knowledge of all the types of wine. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBkGZ72WfxZlgK8a_u7uqxK1ZkPdem_rbBAOqcRNAVgZLDPptCAE5mOrkSJTNEGWHrK7FTUzHOq0j3WZ3bvUdUZhxNnej1pebD4m2cuGY8BmbItFF_XMWA_IhMgwpESOIe3yM43xEbsMr9zo4hvaHah4egDvCZUoO5qlWl8vxM5xubkE/s2854/TaylorSwift%20NYU.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="2854" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBkGZ72WfxZlgK8a_u7uqxK1ZkPdem_rbBAOqcRNAVgZLDPptCAE5mOrkSJTNEGWHrK7FTUzHOq0j3WZ3bvUdUZhxNnej1pebD4m2cuGY8BmbItFF_XMWA_IhMgwpESOIe3yM43xEbsMr9zo4hvaHah4egDvCZUoO5qlWl8vxM5xubkE/w400-h219/TaylorSwift%20NYU.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I know I sound like a consummate optimist, but I’m really not. I lose perspective all the time. Sometimes everything just feels completely pointless. <b><u>I know the pressure of living your life through the lens of perfectionism.</u></b> And I know that I’m talking to a group of perfectionists because you are here today graduating from NYU. So this might be hard for you to hear. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>In your life, you will inevitably misspeak, trust the wrong person, under-react, overreact, hurt the people who didn’t deserve it, overthink, not think at all, self-sabotage, create a reality where only your experience exists, ruin perfectly good moments for yourself and others, deny any wrongdoing, not take the steps to make it right, feel very guilty, let the guilt eat at you, hit rock bottom, finally address the pain you caused, try to do better next time. Rinse. Repeat. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>And I’m not gonna lie. These mistakes will cause you to lose things. <b><u>I’m trying to tell you that losing things doesn’t just mean losing. A lot of the time, when we lose things, we gain things too.</u></b> </i><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L1mgMmhpeQ01gPhGHY-dEFxR1_Q9JjHBSxPey_zphjBNbdXubDHEqVCgeGfTXJMknc4E-8GLKGR0St6oRXddSnL757AFKSyQBSGzKGrrPeZeXZPoiUdzFijzjJQBUUPi6ze-XQVEJVjtIuYc_eQlCO-V8ewIH0CTbT5ba--lPxSO8Ew/s2850/Taylor%20Swift%20hand%20on%20heart.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="2850" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L1mgMmhpeQ01gPhGHY-dEFxR1_Q9JjHBSxPey_zphjBNbdXubDHEqVCgeGfTXJMknc4E-8GLKGR0St6oRXddSnL757AFKSyQBSGzKGrrPeZeXZPoiUdzFijzjJQBUUPi6ze-XQVEJVjtIuYc_eQlCO-V8ewIH0CTbT5ba--lPxSO8Ew/w400-h210/Taylor%20Swift%20hand%20on%20heart.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Now you leave the structure and framework of school and chart your own path. Every choice you make leads to the next choice which leads to the next, and I know it’s hard to know which path to take. There will be times in life where you need to stand up for yourself; times when the right thing is actually to back down and apologize, times when the right thing is to fight, times when the right thing is to turn and run, times to hold on with all you have, and times to let go with grace. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Sometimes the right thing to do is to throw out the old schools of thought in the name of progress and reform. Sometimes the right thing to do is to sit and listen to the wisdom of those who have come before us. How will you know what the right choice is in these crucial moments? You won’t. How do I give advice to this many people about their life choices? I won’t.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>The scary news is — you’re on your own now.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>But the cool news is — You’re on your own now!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEnvO6dvjBL91_8P6mOQ-0GoAAmif5p4TN-L_oXpj6PBXshyR1TOwYajriI_JfaHDsmyJPRl5BROsPkFsi-D3GJffOAcCD7bAjWGK2c2CF6MlWrwrYOayYHnuiI6drURIRtcAFXXOtHjSHv38IacFXvcWO3t3hIfiHgIXrfHW-GphLyo/s2822/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%2022.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2822" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEnvO6dvjBL91_8P6mOQ-0GoAAmif5p4TN-L_oXpj6PBXshyR1TOwYajriI_JfaHDsmyJPRl5BROsPkFsi-D3GJffOAcCD7bAjWGK2c2CF6MlWrwrYOayYHnuiI6drURIRtcAFXXOtHjSHv38IacFXvcWO3t3hIfiHgIXrfHW-GphLyo/w400-h221/Taylor%20Swift%20NYU%2022.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I leave you with this. We are led by our gut instincts, our intuition, our desires and fears, our scars, and our dreams. And you will screw it up sometimes. So will I. And when I do, you will most likely read about it on the internet! </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><u>Anyway, hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it.</u></b> As long as we are fortunate enough to be breathing, we will breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out. And I’m a doctor now, so I know how breathing works. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I hope you know how proud I am to share this day with you. We’re doing this together. So let’s just keep dancing like we’re — <b>The Class of ’22!</b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><br /></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>* Photos are screenshots from <b><u><a href="https://youtu.be/lp7xtbJjcWA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NYU's YouTube video</a></u></b>. No copyright infringement intended. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i> </i></p>
Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-58319201761984735272022-05-18T16:20:00.005-07:002022-05-18T22:08:17.245-07:00Why Taylor Swift Got an Honorary Doctorate Degree from New York University<p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier today, <b>Taylor Swift</b> received an honorary doctorate degree at the <b>NYU 2022 All-University Commencement</b> ceremonies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ybcur1SAscX2fUaKJvzvWW57OsSl9i0I4jcr9KMd7FO1xpkKwSKPjnocGQR7QB0yF0Om7KoEysL2AQ7VzroEZ44esPfQi4kyhYs6QosyeJHq8TjpTZf0z5WJDGbTsehve6BcmbVWNM6jTBTPkOC0c2y8bWt3J6cVfi9xlrp0qxarQcw/s320/Taylor%20Swift%20Doctorate.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="320" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ybcur1SAscX2fUaKJvzvWW57OsSl9i0I4jcr9KMd7FO1xpkKwSKPjnocGQR7QB0yF0Om7KoEysL2AQ7VzroEZ44esPfQi4kyhYs6QosyeJHq8TjpTZf0z5WJDGbTsehve6BcmbVWNM6jTBTPkOC0c2y8bWt3J6cVfi9xlrp0qxarQcw/w400-h219/Taylor%20Swift%20Doctorate.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Here's the complete transcription of what <b>Jason King</b>, Chair and Associate Professor of the <b>Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Tisch School of the Arts</b>, said:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Taylor Swift — blazing, sing-songwriter, producer, actress, pioneering and influential advocate for artists’ rights, and philanthropist. You have brought joy and resolve to your hundreds of millions of fans throughout the world. One of the bestselling music artists in history, you have crossed genres, demographics, age groups, and borders of all kinds to touch lives around the globe.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnoQjrET6D9YwV4FyBPksIfCjRU5ZXSw9wyeEBvCzPxxSGo8oTORTUzqOnT6Q24jI3u3hbA_5ab28WsUPrmd-UdLMERawpE1NQRKw2JZXCEynMf9KVJc6l881MAG38xKSl3aPWafFFOukx09yWTFPtgurZtFSOzRG6lD108ILHs3qvWA/s2858/Jason%20King%20on%20Taylor%20Swift.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="2858" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnoQjrET6D9YwV4FyBPksIfCjRU5ZXSw9wyeEBvCzPxxSGo8oTORTUzqOnT6Q24jI3u3hbA_5ab28WsUPrmd-UdLMERawpE1NQRKw2JZXCEynMf9KVJc6l881MAG38xKSl3aPWafFFOukx09yWTFPtgurZtFSOzRG6lD108ILHs3qvWA/w400-h213/Jason%20King%20on%20Taylor%20Swift.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">With nine original studio albums, two re-recorded studio albums, five extended plays, three live albums, and 14 compilations; you have sold well over 100 million album units, earning awards and honors in every category. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FJc6WVv-9TSdUM2m0Q-aFo0P8pcmRB6M1-96hHLj5fb5NN7rHLfNZXHi-lw_049VP4ZFv9OMxrin3rpLt2YitGobIVuY0YQKAc3OwqLSu241lzHL7tf-V1OrNcrSr0mixpLprVO5qGFFyPnTnLyNnRNfsr4K1En7SYz8vqee46U-99E/s2856/Taylor%20Swift%20reaction%20on%20mention%20of%20her%20re-recorded%20albums.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="2856" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FJc6WVv-9TSdUM2m0Q-aFo0P8pcmRB6M1-96hHLj5fb5NN7rHLfNZXHi-lw_049VP4ZFv9OMxrin3rpLt2YitGobIVuY0YQKAc3OwqLSu241lzHL7tf-V1OrNcrSr0mixpLprVO5qGFFyPnTnLyNnRNfsr4K1En7SYz8vqee46U-99E/w400-h217/Taylor%20Swift%20reaction%20on%20mention%20of%20her%20re-recorded%20albums.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Taylor's reaction when her re-recorded albums were mentioned :)</i></div></span><p style="text-align: justify;">You have used the remarkable platform you earned to galvanize <b>support for the equality act</b>, to <b>prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity</b>. And you have spoken out and you have <b>supported initiatives to protect women and girls from harassment and sexual assault</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Nj0R3fNSxCe-efBpPZujoRQULsdcAnFE1NzrHrGHLlqNQqk7Gi0QV3Zq0S_UmT0bb4cuzeRowuIJ5n9HxrPMTljw4uRwRiwXCqPQk79YQHCuxOgYC4EQ0VPnb1tw9S608whRbY6Wbd0-jzg8aY2AZbJ36mItTAwPQB97W6n5apqbQG0/s2856/Taylor%20Swift%20Doctorate%20Degree%20Holder.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="2856" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Nj0R3fNSxCe-efBpPZujoRQULsdcAnFE1NzrHrGHLlqNQqk7Gi0QV3Zq0S_UmT0bb4cuzeRowuIJ5n9HxrPMTljw4uRwRiwXCqPQk79YQHCuxOgYC4EQ0VPnb1tw9S608whRbY6Wbd0-jzg8aY2AZbJ36mItTAwPQB97W6n5apqbQG0/w400-h217/Taylor%20Swift%20Doctorate%20Degree%20Holder.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">You have donated significantly to victims of floods and tornados, for cancer research, literacy programs for children and public education. You have fearlessly challenged the exploitation of music artists and successfully championed their right to be compensated for their work.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbADRjxUzpejtbd3ldJRJ8F7Hl7dxw_5DtTeBXjFUk10U87bA7Ztxi5g-4iw7VAQhamNb6vgMKstxQfSzMz_ffhnAbRPnnW292-VcMNBWi9Y0LxH0I56KOYrMpBDln2beXnBS61SrdZH0uD3C5HSEZ2h06rtxL1_bAzmgeirAisVVYhRw/s2840/Taylor%20Swift%20with%20Andrew%20Hamilton%20NYU%20President.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="2840" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbADRjxUzpejtbd3ldJRJ8F7Hl7dxw_5DtTeBXjFUk10U87bA7Ztxi5g-4iw7VAQhamNb6vgMKstxQfSzMz_ffhnAbRPnnW292-VcMNBWi9Y0LxH0I56KOYrMpBDln2beXnBS61SrdZH0uD3C5HSEZ2h06rtxL1_bAzmgeirAisVVYhRw/w400-h219/Taylor%20Swift%20with%20Andrew%20Hamilton%20NYU%20President.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Andrew Hamilton</b>, NYU President: "Taylor Swift, you are a role model across the world for your unprecedented talent and accomplishment. Your fierce advocacy for protection of those facing discrimination and your commitment to speaking out forcefully, eloquently, and effectively on behalf of all artists. By virtue of the authority vested in me, I am pleased to confer upon you the degree of <b>Doctor of Fine Arts Honoris Causa</b>!"</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>* photos are screenshots from <a href="https://youtu.be/lp7xtbJjcWA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NYU's YouTube video</a> of the graduation, no copyright infringement intended</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>In case you're still curious, here are articles referencing some of the things Jason King talked about:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/timeline-taylor-swift-generosity-8481430/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Timeline of Taylor Swift's Generosity</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.goalcast.com/taylor-swift-sued-1-dollar-sexual-harrassment/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Taylor Swift Sued a Man for $1 - And What We Can Learn From It</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/taylor-swift-fought-spotify-for-a-huge-win-for-all-musicians.html/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor Swift Fought Spotify For a Huge Win for All Musicians</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51657210" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor Swift Literally Plays "The Man" in New Video</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Read the full transcript of <b>Taylor Swift's NYU 2022 Commencement Speech</b>, <u><a href="https://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2022/05/full-transcript-of-taylor-swifts-nyu.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></u>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-56301212103154997892021-09-14T20:34:00.003-07:002021-09-14T21:59:27.285-07:00Exploring California: What’s There to See in the Charming Town of Harmony?<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Population 18</b> says the green sign along <b>Highway 1</b>. Wait, what?! I had to do a double take the first time I saw it. Three years later, I still feel that sense of wonder each time we pass by that sign during our summer trips to <b>California’s Central Coast</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fp7php32264WbX5fN4uGkFr3C3blWhW5oio1KgqeOw64zyY4BiPzOq7Lj6og4C8RHHa_9ZLD7t3jy8tnmfhgNOuJjLdEd3-32j1iPpTs_PngXVpSu2ao9b2rSaqsrbKuqko/s622/town+of+harmony+population+18.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="622" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fp7php32264WbX5fN4uGkFr3C3blWhW5oio1KgqeOw64zyY4BiPzOq7Lj6og4C8RHHa_9ZLD7t3jy8tnmfhgNOuJjLdEd3-32j1iPpTs_PngXVpSu2ao9b2rSaqsrbKuqko/w400-h261/town+of+harmony+population+18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2019, my family and I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to explore the Town of Harmony. Early last year, as I was watching a <b>South Korean TV Series</b> entitled <b>The Heirs</b> (also known as <b>The Inheritors</b>), I found myself squinting at the television screen trying to read a building’s name which turned out to be <b>Harmony Valley Creamery Assn.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-4Jxl4FEPc9C8E1uhVUlWPtG46wtlG_hbXx9WC2q-yK2em-Ee6sCVn9nXj0WX1c5EDLIXUb2i_TnGHrtAVLvlSwCWo67v2riMRREl9gR2WI57_-xv_GD6qlOAxdKxktcoHI/s640/harmony+valley+creamery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="640" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-4Jxl4FEPc9C8E1uhVUlWPtG46wtlG_hbXx9WC2q-yK2em-Ee6sCVn9nXj0WX1c5EDLIXUb2i_TnGHrtAVLvlSwCWo67v2riMRREl9gR2WI57_-xv_GD6qlOAxdKxktcoHI/w400-h226/harmony+valley+creamery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Who remembers this white building from </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Inheritors starring <b>Lee Min Ho</b>?</span></i></div></i><p style="text-align: justify;">“I think I know where that is!” was my first thought and verified through online search that the scene was indeed filmed in Harmony. It made me more curious to see the town for myself. So, when we went to <b>Cambria</b> a few months later, I made it a point to finally check out the place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R2nXbxsy3cLp8wagQc8ufzn3buZoimRJLsUmFV4oTbo6MOjLZvPhmo8l_x2R2w_nMutoUwzHHsRYZHVENLA6z3ksr4hPtxdhuS5yAXimzjhOCjGzefo2MxBKzxn4HIPULGg/s640/harmony+chapel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R2nXbxsy3cLp8wagQc8ufzn3buZoimRJLsUmFV4oTbo6MOjLZvPhmo8l_x2R2w_nMutoUwzHHsRYZHVENLA6z3ksr4hPtxdhuS5yAXimzjhOCjGzefo2MxBKzxn4HIPULGg/w400-h268/harmony+chapel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Harmony IS a tiny town where visitors can buy handmade pottery, handblown glass items, other souvenir pieces, and craft ice cream available in various flavors. It has a lot of pretty spots for lovely impromptu shots and also features a small church (see what it looks like inside by watching this <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CT1BNprAKH0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">video</a></u>) that offers wedding ceremonies and reception as well as an elopement package! Oh, and yeah, there’s even an option to rent the whole town!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_wguuX4Fo6Q2kPeVU4SHSDgPmWpbOHGyBwqAuCAahJXmkdq8S924Z5nYfwxMISNrwyMNUXUBzHmRqFsj74s1qb9HmVeXOay2TpDGkYcHb3RNUX2T4hqvM7H3jCJ3aPrCPEs/s640/harmony+wedding+packages.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="640" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_wguuX4Fo6Q2kPeVU4SHSDgPmWpbOHGyBwqAuCAahJXmkdq8S924Z5nYfwxMISNrwyMNUXUBzHmRqFsj74s1qb9HmVeXOay2TpDGkYcHb3RNUX2T4hqvM7H3jCJ3aPrCPEs/w400-h315/harmony+wedding+packages.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Town of Harmony</b>, according to a painted wall, grew up around a dairy founded in 1869. Until 1907, the creamery changed hands several times and in those early days, rivalries and feuding among the dairy farmers caused chaos in the valley. When someone got shot dead, a truce was finally called and all residents agreed henceforth to live in harmony, thus the town’s name.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzs5-IaZ_ZnKZf834KoSqj5Ze1XLqoG_nm5dIxM5lOnhb9Zs83s_QgGB92NLwevGpJ-ZA-Eo_PRxeLpMCovBnLrcKIeLy-k__yJq41kbMdLABr5BV4RXDGFdjUBfecCSJBRU/s640/vintage+truck.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzs5-IaZ_ZnKZf834KoSqj5Ze1XLqoG_nm5dIxM5lOnhb9Zs83s_QgGB92NLwevGpJ-ZA-Eo_PRxeLpMCovBnLrcKIeLy-k__yJq41kbMdLABr5BV4RXDGFdjUBfecCSJBRU/w400-h268/vintage+truck.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">When the dairy business eventually shifted to <b>San Luis Obispo</b>, <b>Harmony Dairy</b> was closed in the late 1950’s. For years, the town was abandoned except for the post office which remained open. In 1972, restoration began to bring back the beauty and vitality of the original Harmony from many years ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3y0OtAcyDLT5pOd8X8Zcjp_0cLOaGc6PLatidxNgp4GN3nIFlPlHlwMOHQJ9C64UpRbJgh1-G1GyIbovKXSUXhvW0TzDHKDxliSR9bOrrEUdmF_-a58Ev9hVIaaV7MJQsro/s640/harmony+glassworks.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3y0OtAcyDLT5pOd8X8Zcjp_0cLOaGc6PLatidxNgp4GN3nIFlPlHlwMOHQJ9C64UpRbJgh1-G1GyIbovKXSUXhvW0TzDHKDxliSR9bOrrEUdmF_-a58Ev9hVIaaV7MJQsro/w400-h268/harmony+glassworks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Sometime last month, my husband and I went back to visit Harmony and brought our sons with us. Like before, we had a nice time strolling around the area and just soaking in the artistic vibe that the pottery and glassworks stores evoke. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV7B1Eyu4fVxrneOUUqhjb3QkiF3W3eReJZbL5N8T6MoyjI8EjzVfw2G-k7hFdSP52A4LbcSEdpRfqLnWpeHSUWelnBE3Lt6xhP1v4Jje12Yevb8shB7-M3b53eX-Y2Tsvp8/s640/harmony+picture+frame.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="452" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV7B1Eyu4fVxrneOUUqhjb3QkiF3W3eReJZbL5N8T6MoyjI8EjzVfw2G-k7hFdSP52A4LbcSEdpRfqLnWpeHSUWelnBE3Lt6xhP1v4Jje12Yevb8shB7-M3b53eX-Y2Tsvp8/w283-h400/harmony+picture+frame.JPG" width="283" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">If you happen to be traveling along Highway 1 in the future, you may want to stop by, too, and spend at least half an hour or more there. After all, when would be the next time you’d come across an interesting and historic place with an 18-count population? :)</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-83678362178146654222021-08-29T14:53:00.001-07:002021-08-29T15:26:35.702-07:00Exploring California: A Stopover at Santa Barbara's Chromatic Gate<p style="text-align: justify;">I love <b>rainbows</b> and have always been fascinated with the fable that there's gold at the end of it. While I find it hard to believe in finding treasure at the bottom of a rainbow, there's something precious about standing next to one ... or a likeness of it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrUked-FCCeuh-sb1gFG73ek5G9VdLInv-bUAJXQp0rT0L2_BBKELZ48hdwbsVpD4C5uwx_JndWluoNmCoS4kVKWd6xK9l6-UEF0-JwuVdC-WCQTOlOuv0zenuEOVtTVujcI/s640/santa+barbara+chromatic+gate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="640" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrUked-FCCeuh-sb1gFG73ek5G9VdLInv-bUAJXQp0rT0L2_BBKELZ48hdwbsVpD4C5uwx_JndWluoNmCoS4kVKWd6xK9l6-UEF0-JwuVdC-WCQTOlOuv0zenuEOVtTVujcI/w400-h339/santa+barbara+chromatic+gate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend, as we took a road trip to <b>California's Central Coast</b>, I asked my husband to do a pit stop at Santa Barbara so we can visit the Chromatic Gate at the <b>Arco Circle</b>. This <b>historical landmark</b> was designed by artist <b>Herbert Bayer</b> (b.1900 - d.1985) and was installed in 1991, six years after his passing. It is 21 feet high and weighs 12.5 tons.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to <a href="http://www.seecalifornia.com/art/santa-barbara-chromatic-gate.html" target="_blank">seecalifornia.com</a>, the structure's completion and existence was made possible by art visionary <b>Paul Mills</b> (among others), the longest-serving art director at <b>Santa Barbara Museum of Art</b>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT_Bf7dZf-XVCHRJBkmpI4gTFagm6MEkToKyEtZESADojp124_elDBIbxdqNf5Z5fkw1GzSg_elTrlL4nwcdh_Y3EwYRsEMJi-TGFOp-br12zX6PQc9CJUJGirnR1AW_dUeQ/s2048/california+rainbow+arch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1728" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT_Bf7dZf-XVCHRJBkmpI4gTFagm6MEkToKyEtZESADojp124_elDBIbxdqNf5Z5fkw1GzSg_elTrlL4nwcdh_Y3EwYRsEMJi-TGFOp-br12zX6PQc9CJUJGirnR1AW_dUeQ/w338-h400/california+rainbow+arch.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This lovely rainbow arch has a small park behind it where we saw some people having picnics. It is also located just across a wide stretch of beach and very near the <b>Santa Barbara Zoo</b>. I hope we'd have more time to explore the next time we come visit. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In case you're wondering, we were there around noon on a Sunday and the foot traffic was light. There were other groups of tourists who also took pictures at the site but it wasn't crowded. People were very respectful of others' personal space so it was easy to have the area to ourselves for several minutes. Parking at the side of the road was also not a problem.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mgNgLKknb4irLLw1NwWbdk6G1OJCKhmg8TOYzUrjAVQI1yrh-Ns7Wq6R7iWjf7NQN5Av5SmoXWL5vPYenHuZJBQ5FmN7ZtSWGuhb17q2VuwkIM6Z7CnPCI3BpFkJ93aOZxc/s800/Cali+Travel+Diary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="680" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mgNgLKknb4irLLw1NwWbdk6G1OJCKhmg8TOYzUrjAVQI1yrh-Ns7Wq6R7iWjf7NQN5Av5SmoXWL5vPYenHuZJBQ5FmN7ZtSWGuhb17q2VuwkIM6Z7CnPCI3BpFkJ93aOZxc/w340-h400/Cali+Travel+Diary.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br /><b><br /><u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTLJaWlBzPi/" target="_blank">Santa Barbara's Chromatic Gate</a></u></b> is located at Cabrillo Park, 633 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103. See more <b>California travel tips</b> and photos by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/calitraveldiary/" target="_blank"><b>@CaliTravelDiary</b> on <b>Instagram</b></a>.<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.69819016.1105946151975807 -154.85444278220902 62.731066384802418 -84.54193741779099tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-50375203987385316812021-07-10T18:18:00.002-07:002021-07-10T19:22:45.833-07:00How Does a 3-D Mirascope Work?<p style="text-align: justify;">Okay, <b>geek mode on</b>! I found this fascinating <b>science toy</b> recently and set it up on the dining table before my youngest son got home. When I showed him how the frog wasn't actually on top of the mirascope, he had the same surprised reaction I had the first time I tried it. The image looked so real but when you try and touch it, you can't! Watch the video, <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRK3knTD6Ji/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">here</a></u>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnosDzee3nQx9tWPrhn86JrGLM48NnNXfm5vVmDFh1ozSD7HtuHf7nN5MGE6fGPFqGDrq7ba6au8v9BdeFM-XcDojPDVL3cubukMfM8CV-3F36Nh55mhUi1IErYpo6KIAeA0/s640/3d+mirascope.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnosDzee3nQx9tWPrhn86JrGLM48NnNXfm5vVmDFh1ozSD7HtuHf7nN5MGE6fGPFqGDrq7ba6au8v9BdeFM-XcDojPDVL3cubukMfM8CV-3F36Nh55mhUi1IErYpo6KIAeA0/w400-h300/3d+mirascope.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">So, how does this instant illusion maker work? According to the box, the <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3e3hTe6" target="_blank">3-D Mirascope</a></b> consists of two <b>parabolic mirrors</b> that are facing each other. The top mirror has a hole in the center where the hologram effect takes place. By setting an object in the bottom parabolic mirror, it is suddenly projected as a solid object in the opening of the top mirror.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VFpz0CPVpV8ETFNlvezWplXqZljXofOpZS1GMftLw22-perZHawSmL99hmZtSIOR0OMGqEpmmdtnL-lvXjr8hqmGnizmQZJPtysTANGdv3pmzcDHAUvi2Oqo58X-dXi6LuM/s640/parabolic+mirrors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="640" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VFpz0CPVpV8ETFNlvezWplXqZljXofOpZS1GMftLw22-perZHawSmL99hmZtSIOR0OMGqEpmmdtnL-lvXjr8hqmGnizmQZJPtysTANGdv3pmzcDHAUvi2Oqo58X-dXi6LuM/w400-h297/parabolic+mirrors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Super cool, right? If you also want to buy one, you can find it here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3e3hTe6" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3e3hTe6</a>. Enjoy! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Please leave a comment below to share how your family and friends reacted. It would be a nice <b>party trick</b> don't you think? Also, aside from the frog, what other small stuff were you able to project as a hologram? I'm still looking around our house for another tiny item to try! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-63852664012898405092021-04-15T01:19:00.003-07:002021-04-15T02:36:25.612-07:00Exploring California: 5 Good Reasons to Visit The Flower Fields in Carlsbad + 5 Tips to Make Your Trip Even More Worthwhile<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want." ~ <b>Andy Warhol</b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcJz7EKwpV-G9dxMFtCLS0xpEZRUBfHV-q16vSpescEP0_5sc6_MWQCEoddmdAt0Ot2eoIezxkckHiynZS_yRO15xFxtRiaENxVS4MguK8i-3bVCVLoq7HCj0yMvrtEWDrHk/s640/flower+fields.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcJz7EKwpV-G9dxMFtCLS0xpEZRUBfHV-q16vSpescEP0_5sc6_MWQCEoddmdAt0Ot2eoIezxkckHiynZS_yRO15xFxtRiaENxVS4MguK8i-3bVCVLoq7HCj0yMvrtEWDrHk/w400-h268/flower+fields.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I am such a softie when it comes to flowers — not much of the cut ones you have to put in vases but more of the the living and growing kinds that can be found in parks and gardens, on the sidewalks, along hiking trails, and even on sandy beaches! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">These past three years since moving to <b>California</b>, I’d often “drag” members of my family during <b>springtime </b>to places near and far where we can fully appreciate nature and admire beautiful flowers while they are still in bloom. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckkpQI9mhxNni-vjqQ-V1H0fK7T6qkdtSBVMV9SoqbgWNhRnq5XOvcNk3yE9cs0CoWHpGydx0wwB4Jm6ITfO7ks867nihOLfPQekqMFxqqfTos4RRraJS1C0wfJeZbQhhWZY/s640/field+of+ranunculus+flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckkpQI9mhxNni-vjqQ-V1H0fK7T6qkdtSBVMV9SoqbgWNhRnq5XOvcNk3yE9cs0CoWHpGydx0wwB4Jm6ITfO7ks867nihOLfPQekqMFxqqfTos4RRraJS1C0wfJeZbQhhWZY/w400-h300/field+of+ranunculus+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Last month, I came across a post on <b>Instagram</b> about <b>The Flower Fields</b> in <b>Carlsbad</b> and we finally made it there this past weekend. Here’s sharing <b>5 good reasons</b> why you should also consider visiting:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1.</b> <b>Seeing the flowers up close is NOT the same as seeing them in photos.</b> Sure, I could have simply scrolled through hundreds of IG posts by other people and save us two hours of travel but the experience wouldn’t be as exciting or as delightful as actually being there.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cB8ZnMFPmHqdte9uc6IcxCEqWnNlVuyaKysgoQdXkJxMC3YXOr5_GOc1LPHL_u9KQprMOZ-wOu35pLXrn0IiyOHlGWos0s-BGqS7e3JyTVOl8KmmrcmpUFxgkx430xxG5WI/s640/dad+and+sons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cB8ZnMFPmHqdte9uc6IcxCEqWnNlVuyaKysgoQdXkJxMC3YXOr5_GOc1LPHL_u9KQprMOZ-wOu35pLXrn0IiyOHlGWos0s-BGqS7e3JyTVOl8KmmrcmpUFxgkx430xxG5WI/w400-h268/dad+and+sons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2.</b> <b>Strolling beside acres of ranunculus flowers is an unforgettable experience.</b> I’ve had my share of being in many parks and gardens before where flowers grow abundantly but this place is on a much higher level of WOW! Plus, the fresh air, cool breeze, and sunshine will definitely perk you up! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. There are official areas strategically placed all over the fields for photo shoots.</b> You WILL have great pictures! You just have to line up and wait for your turn. In general, most of our fellow visitors were very respectful of others and the rules of the place. It was just disappointing to see a few groups who were stepping over the green tapes, purposely placed there to protect the flowers, just to get their photos taken nearer the middle of the fields. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlB2h2UgZBVpgoa1MkBDPM5wZ8G9kP0gsNKQEt-kpY9-7Ami3MsSb1_7G9h4M4tJ0OSdzM0Cm32VjKarH3IVYRbVkpNGeyvmcwLiJOQYZD5sSQ0oVUve5LG8Gw8cUec3PPSg/s640/photo+ops+at+the+flower+fields.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlB2h2UgZBVpgoa1MkBDPM5wZ8G9kP0gsNKQEt-kpY9-7Ami3MsSb1_7G9h4M4tJ0OSdzM0Cm32VjKarH3IVYRbVkpNGeyvmcwLiJOQYZD5sSQ0oVUve5LG8Gw8cUec3PPSg/w400-h268/photo+ops+at+the+flower+fields.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Besides the flower fields, there are a lot of pretty spots</b> with other flower varieties where you can take additional awesome photos. There are gazebos, arches, a giant chair, a sweet pea maze, and more. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>5. You can take a wagon tour</b> if you don’t want to walk far. There’s 50 acres to cover after all!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzxy45v41kxejq2jwbL7Y_tB4OI21ib2gAN7MmxRptmhyMkq-Km00wg3bT_FJAbEMJRz1uZeQWEfPkcfsezVHXiFikJDxUwIK51tjicAzjlg2g0ayBhDeL-T1mnNPNs1MujQ/s800/white+ranunculus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzxy45v41kxejq2jwbL7Y_tB4OI21ib2gAN7MmxRptmhyMkq-Km00wg3bT_FJAbEMJRz1uZeQWEfPkcfsezVHXiFikJDxUwIK51tjicAzjlg2g0ayBhDeL-T1mnNPNs1MujQ/w400-h266/white+ranunculus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">So, have I convinced you to pack your bags yet? If yes, here are <b>5 tips</b> that may help as you plan your own trip to The Flower Fields.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">1. Wear comfortable shoes and pack a jacket in case you get cold.</b> The place is HUGE so expect to be walking more than 10,000 steps if you plan on covering a large area of the fields. We spent around two hours there and still weren’t able to see everything there was to see. As much as we’d like to explore some more, pushing a wheelchair on upward sloping ground can be quite challenging.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxExYHxtMr4AscoXsz6amUvwhQe0nrmJ1KdIv5v5uZRkX2eOQj-DXXTgpZacDIqkKFYoEszyg9EbikmsdOyWyzZlrmiMXPn0rM0ZKXHg3YM1ynfb3_8DFcFYfyln9BFsA0udY/s640/mask+up.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxExYHxtMr4AscoXsz6amUvwhQe0nrmJ1KdIv5v5uZRkX2eOQj-DXXTgpZacDIqkKFYoEszyg9EbikmsdOyWyzZlrmiMXPn0rM0ZKXHg3YM1ynfb3_8DFcFYfyln9BFsA0udY/w400-h268/mask+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">2. Keep your mask on when not taking photos and please be mindful of the place’s regulations.</b> If you are not one of the farm workers who are authorized to step over the green tapes, DON’T be like the selfish morons who think they’re special enough to break the rules. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Arrive early if you’re visiting on a weekend.</b> I bought us tickets for 2:00PM and we arrived about 10 minutes early. Unfortunately, it took us quite a while to find a place (even the handicapped spots were full) at the overcrowded parking lot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnxo4GA6I5ORD2zcSN8ugrleDqwJzdJ5m6C3IQaoZbhqVY61TqZimVyUrXjKMaMHSPO2uBW8cc_8NOYXnZ5_IpSMzIogJjsotfXYkqQLeZ-pNWaoZOMmLksHBPhcAXOcmbSU/s640/special+needs+parenting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnxo4GA6I5ORD2zcSN8ugrleDqwJzdJ5m6C3IQaoZbhqVY61TqZimVyUrXjKMaMHSPO2uBW8cc_8NOYXnZ5_IpSMzIogJjsotfXYkqQLeZ-pNWaoZOMmLksHBPhcAXOcmbSU/w400-h268/special+needs+parenting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Bring a good camera or a mobile phone that takes sharp pictures.</b> And make sure to charge your batteries beforehand! You wouldn’t want to miss capturing many nice shots what with all the gorgeous backgrounds you’ll find all over the place. </div><b style="text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="text-align: justify;">5. Consider being at Carlsbad for more than a day.</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> The city has a lot to offer and it’s just a 30-minute drive away from <b>San Diego</b>. By staying for two nights, we got to visit <b>Balboa Park</b> and the <b>South Carlsbad State Beach</b> but unfortunately didn’t have enough time to check out the <b>U-pick strawberry farm</b> nearby nor go to the <b>Oceanside Pier</b> as originally planned. Still, we had a grand time and have more reasons to come back another time! :)</span><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-69992129095869990142021-01-02T22:07:00.001-08:002021-01-02T22:19:32.145-08:00How Auld Lang Syne Sounds When Played on a Tongue Drum<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Happy New Year</b>, everyone! Since most of us preferred to usher in <b>2021</b> at home, I'm sure that like us, you also found various ways to keep yourselves entertained. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvYOTnpmAAcfpN1R9qUfRg4MHzaxJ-zGQByp0Y_M9dwWcFY1mSO2-alCG53M30brm12IXxPlt_SZYEsiIxey-kdUTT2VUiewT0gr9fHSciOtCNnE9Z7HVMcmno7cYmYeTK2U/s640/tongue+drum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvYOTnpmAAcfpN1R9qUfRg4MHzaxJ-zGQByp0Y_M9dwWcFY1mSO2-alCG53M30brm12IXxPlt_SZYEsiIxey-kdUTT2VUiewT0gr9fHSciOtCNnE9Z7HVMcmno7cYmYeTK2U/w400-h300/tongue+drum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Sometime in May 2019, I bought a <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3pJ2rr8" target="_blank">tongue drum</a></b> online to make music with. I originally wanted to have a hang drum that sounds so much better but found the prices way out of my budget. So I settled for this one and it's been nice playing it for fun. It has even become a conversation piece whenever we had (pre-pandemic) guests over. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyhow, here's sharing a simple, non-professional rendition of <b>Auld Lang Syne</b> on a <a href="https://amzn.to/3pJ2rr8" target="_blank">10-inch 11-note tongue drum</a> that my non-verbal son with special needs found entertaining. </p><p align="center"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T8uIsJU5H90" width="425"></iframe></p><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether it was simple or grand, I hope your New Year's celebration with the people you love was a joyous one :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-67252281628537098152020-12-31T15:50:00.001-08:002020-12-31T15:50:24.251-08:00Why 2020 is an Intermission Year for All of Us <p style="text-align: justify;">It's the end of 2020! How excited are we to usher in a <b>New Year</b> filled with hope and better things to come? While the past months have been challenging and splattered with a lot of heartbreaks, those shouldn't prevent us from looking forward to the coming days! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL_7ahAhJvS7T5xmR57zibD8uAYUm7Rn7vwnzJ440UFVcqEzYkuygPQrpAyGm3golv5wP2QGZF2tJhO50b6Cp_5aZ2WB91HQu79U99JfJdFabV_wjSDI9CKFn3h0gHa86kzU/s800/thirty+but+seventeen+screencap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="800" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL_7ahAhJvS7T5xmR57zibD8uAYUm7Rn7vwnzJ440UFVcqEzYkuygPQrpAyGm3golv5wP2QGZF2tJhO50b6Cp_5aZ2WB91HQu79U99JfJdFabV_wjSDI9CKFn3h0gHa86kzU/w400-h221/thirty+but+seventeen+screencap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">screencaptured, no copyright infringement intended</span></i></div></i><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm currently watching a <b>Korean drama series</b> titled <b>Thirty But Seventeen</b> and a conversation between the two lead actors made me pause and contemplate. I had to rewind the clip to capture the words which I think would also resonate with many of you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Woo Seo-ri</b>: "You know what an intermission is, right?"</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Gong Woo-jin</b>: "A break time during a musical or a show?"</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Seo-ri: "Yes. Whenever I went to concerts as a kid, I really loved intermissions. 'Thank goodness, it's not over yet. There's still more left. What kind of cool performances will they do now?' I feel like I'm in an intermission now. I'm taking a break for a moment while waiting for the next cool performance. The intermission of my life.
That's why I'm okay. It's not over. I'm [just] taking a break. My heart's racing. I'm waiting for the cool stage to come. I'm just on pause right now."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The backstory is that Seo-ri, a violinist, was in a coma for more than 10 years and woke up as an adult instead of a teenager. She wasn't able to attend a prestigious music school abroad as planned and her hands can no longer play the violin like they used to.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D6HMeuOe1B9GHpbkpQkrumqgjJqsZIUO6WgSTA7gUlFpKoEfsT6Qe3r8s5wU_kN9To-cmH2vrKwjOz7T1xv6q0zvnby9StztsfiegIKd6MgMab9o8zILFdHTno1Ilb1qTZ8/s800/goodbye+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D6HMeuOe1B9GHpbkpQkrumqgjJqsZIUO6WgSTA7gUlFpKoEfsT6Qe3r8s5wU_kN9To-cmH2vrKwjOz7T1xv6q0zvnby9StztsfiegIKd6MgMab9o8zILFdHTno1Ilb1qTZ8/w400-h268/goodbye+2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Goodbye 2020!</span></i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I appreciate how writer <b>Jo Sung-Hee</b> was able to beautifully express this sentiment in words. I think many of us feel the same way about this year. We have been put on pause due to circumstances beyond our control. And yet, by merely surviving day to day, month after month, we're still here ready to face a new year with dreams of a brighter future.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, as we leave 2020 behind, I hope you, too, can just consider this year as an intermission while waiting for the next cool performance of our lives. Happy New Year, everyone! :)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-14146106047779552742020-11-21T17:44:00.233-08:002021-02-21T19:47:44.451-08:00Exploring California: Where to Watch the Sunset on Top of a Hill in La Habra Heights<p style="text-align: justify;">I love watching <b>sunsets</b> wherever in the world I am. So, every time I learn of a new place with a great view, I try my best to go there. Sometime ago, my youngest son and his friends posted some nice photos online when they were on <b>top of a hill</b> with an expansive view of the valley.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI3U-FjH98ihOF91eDmzVAlXi0kjJb16RNA0wnvrlPQSxBySr60LUaDEilGrdU01iypq0wkyE9OlfSxxw0VHbMb7IQt9X61O41kM0T8WYJ6Fdm-L7sY9YFxaWtLqW6kzvA_4/s800/hiking+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI3U-FjH98ihOF91eDmzVAlXi0kjJb16RNA0wnvrlPQSxBySr60LUaDEilGrdU01iypq0wkyE9OlfSxxw0VHbMb7IQt9X61O41kM0T8WYJ6Fdm-L7sY9YFxaWtLqW6kzvA_4/w400-h300/hiking+couple.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">with my favorite hiking buddy</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier this week, our Daniel brought his dad and I to the same place that they nicknamed <b>Top of the World</b>. I was quite surprised to see that the entrance is another part of the <b>Skyline Trail</b> which we have hiked before from <b>Powder Canyon</b> and another time from <b>Schabarum Regional Park</b>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnzFdEtTbGx2ui4tCKIa0pnWtwS1Msa4JioN8x2HNT91UPpMlczyi3iYwTT6ZhZU3bEF4Q6n-w9_Mew3u4UQWdoPYjoM4vcWPDSDJJpYqaCxHSak4Em6TvPZr9fg_609yXCI/s640/pylons+at+the+skyline+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnzFdEtTbGx2ui4tCKIa0pnWtwS1Msa4JioN8x2HNT91UPpMlczyi3iYwTT6ZhZU3bEF4Q6n-w9_Mew3u4UQWdoPYjoM4vcWPDSDJJpYqaCxHSak4Em6TvPZr9fg_609yXCI/w300-h400/pylons+at+the+skyline+trail.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">towers of power</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">We arrived there about an hour before sunset so there was time to explore a bit before climbing the not-so-steep incline going to the highest point. We passed a couple of <b>pylons</b> (towers used for carrying power lines high above the ground) which added interesting elements to some of our photos.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HNPVKA2lEqlaTeCpmlsu8KW3paKUL_R3tEUvKNTFhj1WoGbWb1qyeZum2kyGASWtXw5IMs_bC0j6iOu4sSQ5mxp2RIOtpcd2zcs3GLzMrqTNQF7EMnN7dUS5G7brfMEVgVU/s640/father+and+son+silhouettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HNPVKA2lEqlaTeCpmlsu8KW3paKUL_R3tEUvKNTFhj1WoGbWb1qyeZum2kyGASWtXw5IMs_bC0j6iOu4sSQ5mxp2RIOtpcd2zcs3GLzMrqTNQF7EMnN7dUS5G7brfMEVgVU/w300-h400/father+and+son+silhouettes.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">father and son</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">When we got to the top, I was delighted to see a large part of the valley spread out before us. We could even faintly see the <b>downtown LA skyline</b> from that distance. I wanted to follow the trail going down on the other side but there wasn't enough time to get back before dark. So we reserved that thought for another day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU04SSjAtVjWz7qKU-LOXTqxupH7tnXagqnr31bdvGQ_2IzJolWFYncEeyCaBU1UqWya307npsR7PMoeEea7YhgNhthDaPWrJmiQr6ZI040bVhjmjMRBbMwPBscr0x1IBN928/s640/sunset+vibes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU04SSjAtVjWz7qKU-LOXTqxupH7tnXagqnr31bdvGQ_2IzJolWFYncEeyCaBU1UqWya307npsR7PMoeEea7YhgNhthDaPWrJmiQr6ZI040bVhjmjMRBbMwPBscr0x1IBN928/w300-h400/sunset+vibes.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>sunset vibes</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Looking around, it was a bit disappointing though to see discarded items like beer bottles and food wrappings here and there left behind by some visitors :( We plan to go back with trash bags next time and help clean the place up. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeYFyCrQUHpK19HhfYKnOlSJD0o8Nxi-yrvpUgkLtvZ7s_-RT8JkAebdrp1hw9OEZpf-_Xxp-hexDfzW1CxbUDKCdpllA3zIYwiHxUEF-U0H1kuEX72fHjdg9Ivvzxb6dJvw/s800/moon+after+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeYFyCrQUHpK19HhfYKnOlSJD0o8Nxi-yrvpUgkLtvZ7s_-RT8JkAebdrp1hw9OEZpf-_Xxp-hexDfzW1CxbUDKCdpllA3zIYwiHxUEF-U0H1kuEX72fHjdg9Ivvzxb6dJvw/w300-h400/moon+after+sunset.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the moon came early!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">We stayed for almost an hour and I wished I'd brought one of our <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=writermom88-20&keywords=portable folding camping chairs&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&linkId=1ad0b7a6a0727463766c30f69bfa3620" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">portable lightweight folding chairs</a></u> because there aren't any soft grass to sit on, just the dry ground. Still, the sunset was worth the wait. We watched the sky turn different colors until dusk fell and the valley lights started twinkling. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dko44fedFlAwRqPEVIZOLyhoLC34sOr2mmYfPQQCgujl8etD74mNH0NWCSldwNGw5028qsRb8iaoVOFBrdfP0FF0HVCQNISZ4z1zwBuF6BcNHiYm5d0SzUgKmk8Ny56li6A/s640/overlooking+the+valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="640" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dko44fedFlAwRqPEVIZOLyhoLC34sOr2mmYfPQQCgujl8etD74mNH0NWCSldwNGw5028qsRb8iaoVOFBrdfP0FF0HVCQNISZ4z1zwBuF6BcNHiYm5d0SzUgKmk8Ny56li6A/w400-h308/overlooking+the+valley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">twinkling lights of the valley behind us</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Since there weren't any lamp posts along the trail going back to where we parked, we used our phones' flashlights and made a mental note to bring our <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=writermom88-20&keywords=rechargeable LED headlamps&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c54764b6668398417b0cf72df32ce6ba" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rechargeable LED headlamps</a></u> in the future. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUawT64BsujNSrAqq-4GgP1s2VrfqaEsrq4QSIA37SdREt7Z_dPuu2VK8WQmasx4vrXA8eBg1iX1_M1z6x9BlLGvrvBUoYeGM5Ti0Tc_wImRBH29zw-UCutun57qrLOnaDuMM/s640/skyline+trail+la+habra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUawT64BsujNSrAqq-4GgP1s2VrfqaEsrq4QSIA37SdREt7Z_dPuu2VK8WQmasx4vrXA8eBg1iX1_M1z6x9BlLGvrvBUoYeGM5Ti0Tc_wImRBH29zw-UCutun57qrLOnaDuMM/w400-h300/skyline+trail+la+habra.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">trail head</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">To those who'd like to explore this place, enter <b>799-401 Skyline Trail, La Habra Heights, CA 90631</b> on <b>Google Maps</b>. The trail head is located at the very end of <b>Punta Del Este Drive</b>. If you're bringing snacks, kindly take your bottles and other trash to dispose of at home. Let us protect our environment so that more people can enjoy nature for generations to come :)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0La Habra, CA 90631, USA33.9318591 -117.9461375.6216252638211515 -153.102387 62.242092936178842 -82.789887tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-67090427171285616872020-10-15T07:36:00.002-07:002021-02-21T19:43:53.361-08:00Exloring California: 8 Tips for Those Planning to Hike the Pumpkin Rock Trail<p style="text-align: justify;">Halloween is almost here so it's not surprising that a lot of people suddenly want to see the <b>Pumpkin Rock</b> located in <b>Norco, California</b>. I actually didn't know about its existence until I came across several posts about it on <b>Instagram</b> a couple of weeks ago. Because it made me curious, I made plans to visit it with hubby and we were able to go there this past weekend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5OKEswx00M2w6KREpobRwEm29XU78RdH1nH0jEa_AqDPzMCEndo9zez9TrzF6DlHZ2CW7sk-SAXUpwOmuoKmWin1icZJx7qqQLb8j92gwn53mdJfakyUTkVsKrawAi_Rq4Q/s640/pumpkin+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="584" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5OKEswx00M2w6KREpobRwEm29XU78RdH1nH0jEa_AqDPzMCEndo9zez9TrzF6DlHZ2CW7sk-SAXUpwOmuoKmWin1icZJx7qqQLb8j92gwn53mdJfakyUTkVsKrawAi_Rq4Q/w365-h400/pumpkin+rock.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">thankful for the lady who offered to take this photo of us</span></i></div></i><p style="text-align: justify;">Here's sharing some tips to make your trip worthwhile: </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Plan to go there very early in the morning to avoid the crowds.</b> I saw an IG post that said they had to wait two hours in line just to take a photo with the Pumpkin Rock! My husband and I left home at around 6:30AM and made it there a few minutes past 7AM. I wanted to catch the sun rise behind the rock but it was unfortunately cloudy that morning. Still, the cool air was nice as we hiked up. We were able to take photos with "Jack" after the two groups in front of us.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6AzHBlWvsmf5EgQkSqJmYYS6-u0yZcghQeZwICTAV3oEaqOdUYbFRaukMAfs_215F9IfN6vpGteoonz_SFOgTT6FyznRtWXOBQOvztwj2X9Xzbe7YgO6sd8VFVQ5AjxOfLw/s640/hike+up+to+pumpkin+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6AzHBlWvsmf5EgQkSqJmYYS6-u0yZcghQeZwICTAV3oEaqOdUYbFRaukMAfs_215F9IfN6vpGteoonz_SFOgTT6FyznRtWXOBQOvztwj2X9Xzbe7YgO6sd8VFVQ5AjxOfLw/w400-h300/hike+up+to+pumpkin+rock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>view of the Pumpkin Rock from the longer but not so steep trail route</i></span> </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Check the weather forecast before going</b> and wear an extra layer of clothing if it's going to be cold in the morning. A light jacket would be easy to take off and tie around one's waist in case you'll feel hot later on. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxizwSFw2zBe8Ljhlm-Qt3cr4eWw638WpLo3kCcpacI9wuwe_AYhZk4ZuMV_kj2C4CcVWFLPyAJUxJjPZgkj-nBI0Cf8lHk1W-fEuVxxiFrDt31lpwZm3hJKULIwnqo1e8a0/s640/super+dusty+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="565" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxizwSFw2zBe8Ljhlm-Qt3cr4eWw638WpLo3kCcpacI9wuwe_AYhZk4ZuMV_kj2C4CcVWFLPyAJUxJjPZgkj-nBI0Cf8lHk1W-fEuVxxiFrDt31lpwZm3hJKULIwnqo1e8a0/w353-h400/super+dusty+shoes.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">what my pants and shoes looked like after the hike</span></i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Wear comfortable closed shoes with good sole traction.</b> Also, if you don't want to get your legs all dusty, wear pants instead of shorts. I don't recommend following my husband's example of wearing slippers! Being a barefoot runner, he sometimes tend to not wear shoes when he knows we're just going for a short hike. I only became conscious of it when a few hikers pointed it out and marveled how he was able to move easily along the dusty trail. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0q0ocKs3NtZvOxIIYNpOVe9BSLQG4B_fucphftMmck216Khi3vNfNSvyvqleZjUAX_iEpRbwjmqypm12EhLPVJ6QUgBvdmNfphrSnNA4Nft57rYyX9wEMEXKg0yF1Y8SoGA/s640/pumpkin+rock+parking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0q0ocKs3NtZvOxIIYNpOVe9BSLQG4B_fucphftMmck216Khi3vNfNSvyvqleZjUAX_iEpRbwjmqypm12EhLPVJ6QUgBvdmNfphrSnNA4Nft57rYyX9wEMEXKg0yF1Y8SoGA/w400-h300/pumpkin+rock+parking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Crestview Drive as seen from higher up the steep trail near the fire hydrant</span></i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Park along Crestview Drive.</b> It's a long curving street right beside one of the trail heads just up the Equestrian Center. Hubby and I found a spot a few yards from the yellow fire hydrant. Being first timers there, we mistakenly climbed the steeper trail near it but which surprisingly made for a faster hike up to the halfway point (around 10 instead of 25 minutes). I wouldn't recommend it though for rookie hikers. Going down, we chose the gentler route even though it was three times longer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7G27chqVURXVpLjVTP-66-_ovF7jUpgYESGefFsf_IvvTdgOVfIYxAkkZeM1b6wtuqmN4BER8CoI8FmM_TNLxDRDnv0qU6wCf1qiGekB80_iGkv8uSQpFBCDgKDhB0RCNr4/s640/smaller+pumpkin+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7G27chqVURXVpLjVTP-66-_ovF7jUpgYESGefFsf_IvvTdgOVfIYxAkkZeM1b6wtuqmN4BER8CoI8FmM_TNLxDRDnv0qU6wCf1qiGekB80_iGkv8uSQpFBCDgKDhB0RCNr4/w335-h400/smaller+pumpkin+rock.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">FYI, there's a smaller pumpkin rock further to the right of the big one</span></div> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>5. Bring a trekking pole / hiking stick (or two) if you have one.</b> I regretted that I didn't bring mine because there are some steep and slippery areas along the trail. Even though the ground was very dry, a lot of small loose rocks and pebbles can make you lose your footing. We've seen a lady fall and slide down on her bottom when she slipped. Thankfully, she wasn't hurt and was still able to laugh about it. </div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7co0QpklmdlvP5STdAf-WcbKNhBUhz5d2aiccMeEvi3DZfCJGGPBCtvG-E8Fjvk_FWLR2rtV3QrbPW4zxFfhk6NfWAG1nRNxJ2vemoSI9i3w51cf_iEeDzL3AY-a9DAUU3_A/s640/view+from+the+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7co0QpklmdlvP5STdAf-WcbKNhBUhz5d2aiccMeEvi3DZfCJGGPBCtvG-E8Fjvk_FWLR2rtV3QrbPW4zxFfhk6NfWAG1nRNxJ2vemoSI9i3w51cf_iEeDzL3AY-a9DAUU3_A/w400-h300/view+from+the+top.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Don't forget to bring something to hydrate with!</span></i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>6. Carry your water in a REUSABLE bottle</b> and bring a bag so you can dispose of your trash when you get home. Please don't leave anything behind. I found it sad how some people felt it was okay to leave their beer bottles and other garbage strewn all over the place! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXqmX-xK-TAQQWVvZHooiudMgU_AQ6tghrQtAyW1YKoGlPkXvi7gXY-vkvQqC-37iy_iQxAdViamB9eF5U-uvU3s5TGPfqXXFNCrFe5bM-SJsMqxyJ1sZNGKOo_0Rn2YSgxI/s640/interesting+plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXqmX-xK-TAQQWVvZHooiudMgU_AQ6tghrQtAyW1YKoGlPkXvi7gXY-vkvQqC-37iy_iQxAdViamB9eF5U-uvU3s5TGPfqXXFNCrFe5bM-SJsMqxyJ1sZNGKOo_0Rn2YSgxI/w400-h265/interesting+plant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Scorched by the sun but still beautiful up close</span></i> </div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>7. Explore the surrounding areas beyond the Pumpkin Rock.</b> Don't make that climb without maximizing your time up there. Enjoy the nice views, clamber up some of those big rocks, feel the cool breeze, and admire the pretty plants that survived summer's scorching heat.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLHSmmYjx2CPyiCdTaw3Pxlf8gcF6yRTD5dWW7exnL2lgXCwP9vsFWqTLFXaje18Pbb3rcPb46ow4eYIoVd_SPNvjYMh9J63j6FJaQYdaH2ngRaPzlWVd34YqWl3gG_5Hcdk/s640/rock+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="557" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLHSmmYjx2CPyiCdTaw3Pxlf8gcF6yRTD5dWW7exnL2lgXCwP9vsFWqTLFXaje18Pbb3rcPb46ow4eYIoVd_SPNvjYMh9J63j6FJaQYdaH2ngRaPzlWVd34YqWl3gG_5Hcdk/w348-h400/rock+art.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the one and only graffiti I found nice among all the ugly ones</span></i> </div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>8. Take nothing but pictures and leave only your footprints.</b> I know this is cliche but there are irresponsible people who need to be reminded of it because the atrocious amount of bad graffiti shows that there are those who hike up the trail armed with spray paint to vandalize the environment. The Pumpkin Rock itself looks really dirty so I opted to "clean" the writings using a photo editing app as you can see in my pictures. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkL7X5nCJWH3MAtiPmXFdlXqlIz9QoGKZVdQA2bQU_bu5VRhB8s1f4Utkxvs_jy5R5JJg2hI-2tOlGjUun6DWHZ2uU-QmK0s7J6oz76Ets68Z6bZwUcqJ2GdrnvDr-UneGPf8/s640/pumpkin+rock+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkL7X5nCJWH3MAtiPmXFdlXqlIz9QoGKZVdQA2bQU_bu5VRhB8s1f4Utkxvs_jy5R5JJg2hI-2tOlGjUun6DWHZ2uU-QmK0s7J6oz76Ets68Z6bZwUcqJ2GdrnvDr-UneGPf8/w400-h300/pumpkin+rock+trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Can you see the beer bottles on the ground? </i>😕</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Lastly, don't forget to <b>wear a mask</b> and be mindful of <b>social distancing protocols</b>. Let's help each other make <b>California's hiking trails</b> safe and enjoyable for everyone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxFFiBF52TwBOUCY9W79NyajwzTrtr0OTeddQODAoz924BogdXdBrY2s4kqP3tS5PVfyLh1qXbYscHB5PhtqF_ksYBIRGC1qtffyGRiB5A7wVqYn1XUGfR_ZCCyR-qgl7ew0/s640/flowers+along+the+hiking+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxFFiBF52TwBOUCY9W79NyajwzTrtr0OTeddQODAoz924BogdXdBrY2s4kqP3tS5PVfyLh1qXbYscHB5PhtqF_ksYBIRGC1qtffyGRiB5A7wVqYn1XUGfR_ZCCyR-qgl7ew0/w300-h400/flowers+along+the+hiking+trail.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>pretty flowers along the hiking trail</i></div></span><p style="text-align: justify;">If this blog post encouraged you to visit the Pumpkin Rock and if found these tips useful, please leave a comment below and let me know. Thank you and happy hiking! 😊</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-77171530720593159182020-08-29T14:54:00.005-07:002020-08-30T15:33:36.901-07:00JOMO over FOMO? <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"We should learn to savor some moments to let time feel worth existing." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~ Munia Khan</i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I recently came across the acronym <b>JOMO</b>. It's supposed to mean "<b>Joy Of Missing Out</b>," the exact opposite of the more famous <b>FOMO </b>or<b> Fear of Missing Out</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFpUSdo5eC7MXdXdqwRNdp6wrCl3aJKsVQf4kDiUfXfhnT9Le9PUQCaMKsz-uBeZbk8OeG8dwU63h0OLQAlCZbrI0BkLz3PqSKcKfkrCNpMEZFmHv3vf-WJSBBEv19jz4BIg/s640/ocean_view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFpUSdo5eC7MXdXdqwRNdp6wrCl3aJKsVQf4kDiUfXfhnT9Le9PUQCaMKsz-uBeZbk8OeG8dwU63h0OLQAlCZbrI0BkLz3PqSKcKfkrCNpMEZFmHv3vf-WJSBBEv19jz4BIg/w512-h342/ocean_view.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was happy to be reminded that we shouldn't rush or be anxious about accomplishing so many things all at once like a lot of people believe we should.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I'm looking forward to doing more stuff in the coming days, weeks, and years but I try my best to be patient as I wait for things to fall into place. Meanwhile, I'm making an effort to enjoy the learnings along my journey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvRfWW3FRRM18bExeTB42bdu8i7V8FtMxsOx3dX8y8WKh4dDum38hMOLbU06CEEJJ1UxvzpP2oEdkoBVUb4QjdQ3tfnPYHfqq1gdEQ7fTbsP6j2nJZxnG6hItYj2ILh990uM/s578/jomo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="433" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvRfWW3FRRM18bExeTB42bdu8i7V8FtMxsOx3dX8y8WKh4dDum38hMOLbU06CEEJJ1UxvzpP2oEdkoBVUb4QjdQ3tfnPYHfqq1gdEQ7fTbsP6j2nJZxnG6hItYj2ILh990uM/w300-h400/jomo.jpg" title="stop and smell the flowers" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">This is me literally stopping to "<b>smell the flowers</b>" and savoring what life has to offer at this particular moment. Despite the heartaches that 2020 continues to bring, there are still silver linings on many corners. Let's make time to notice and appreciate them 💚</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0California, USA36.778261 -119.41793248.4680271638211551 -154.57418239999998 65.088494836178853 -84.2616824tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-27636785624140328582020-07-02T21:35:00.000-07:002020-07-02T21:35:28.297-07:00Can You Grow Malunggay / Moringa in a Pot? Yes You Can! <div style="text-align: justify;">In the <b>Philippines</b>, malunggay are staple greens that we often use for cooking. When we lived in Alabang, we had a huge tree beside the house where it's very convenient to cut stalks upon stalks without worrying about running out of leaves.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M2DhxDKDZ5zBAWipJJYnjMP8CjppP9pQKQeTBG_EEKPWdjMvk5h-6mFmCiH3LJrkC2ymACnBHKTV2GD3tapRZBHgy-2qfWqox2ohiBTSebUZPjpSoH7WchDD73xH7ieFyxw/s640/growing+potted+malunggay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M2DhxDKDZ5zBAWipJJYnjMP8CjppP9pQKQeTBG_EEKPWdjMvk5h-6mFmCiH3LJrkC2ymACnBHKTV2GD3tapRZBHgy-2qfWqox2ohiBTSebUZPjpSoH7WchDD73xH7ieFyxw/w300-h400/growing+potted+malunggay.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>August 2018</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a very different story when we moved to <b>Southern California</b> almost three years ago. When we wanted to cook Tinola, a few stalks of <b>malunggay</b> at the Filipino supermarket would cost the same as, or even more than, two pounds (about a kilo) of chicken. I'm serious! So we'd resort to buying spinach instead because they're cheaper. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDvkbF37Ih5_HB5leOtYuNPO_Pw_mPZBj0gS7fprJxgAWHfukkZdz04MdIVNmCzQ-Q2fhiOMHR9Sggkfy0FWMGbBq4K1KTxWLkGm5a-tUedCWp2rSeWk890C_zP77idBewkk/s640/potted+malunggay+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDvkbF37Ih5_HB5leOtYuNPO_Pw_mPZBj0gS7fprJxgAWHfukkZdz04MdIVNmCzQ-Q2fhiOMHR9Sggkfy0FWMGbBq4K1KTxWLkGm5a-tUedCWp2rSeWk890C_zP77idBewkk/w400-h268/potted+malunggay+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>from small to big pot</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In late November 2017, my mother-in-law bought us a <b>malunggay seedling</b> for $5.00 at a swap meet where some fellow Pinoys were selling plants. By winter, the leaves were all gone and we were left with just a stick in a pot. Because I could still see some green parts on the main stem, I diligently watered the pot every two days. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmkDB2GPlrbJUSzv9_JpemwI3K-PFt1XJUBwGtvjp-eweQrQToNAe8XR_inWnlMckC8WgHgUkbW6_eBKjPPFehuwYqEq7JZTOlfIWJ2Jvxf8niDegBv6Nlwwm0ub1gKk4aOE/s640/malunggay+may+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmkDB2GPlrbJUSzv9_JpemwI3K-PFt1XJUBwGtvjp-eweQrQToNAe8XR_inWnlMckC8WgHgUkbW6_eBKjPPFehuwYqEq7JZTOlfIWJ2Jvxf8niDegBv6Nlwwm0ub1gKk4aOE/w400-h300/malunggay+may+2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>May 2018</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Come spring, I was rewarded with tiny buds that eventually grew into branches with leaves. By August 2018 (see topmost photo), we were able to harvest a batch which we happily added to home-cooked <b>Chicken Tinola</b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwjnHVZFaOLZqszNnQ8wAVEAXkte-tpKEdmkzK-Bq655zyMT5bOJaKz6I42im7JCgcka4aO8dV2NL6c0-hAm-9TzMidfLgSohfR2Y23S4pzBMLtRgeUdn9tK6EEygLaw611w/s708/malunggay+in+spring+march+to+may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="708" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwjnHVZFaOLZqszNnQ8wAVEAXkte-tpKEdmkzK-Bq655zyMT5bOJaKz6I42im7JCgcka4aO8dV2NL6c0-hAm-9TzMidfLgSohfR2Y23S4pzBMLtRgeUdn9tK6EEygLaw611w/w400-h283/malunggay+in+spring+march+to+may.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>March vs. May 2020</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fast-forward to my family's move from my sister-in-law's townhouse to our own apartment in November 2018 where we brought the big pot of malunggay with us. Again, it hibernated during the winter but bloomed once more come spring and summer and we were able to harvest two or three times before it stopped growing new leaves in the fall.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vPUmT_JxVYE" width="320" youtube-src-id="vPUmT_JxVYE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's 2020 now and I'm happy to report that our malunggay tree is still healthy and thriving. We actually had the first harvest recently and the main trunk is slowly recovering to bring out more leaves. Someday, when we finally get to buy a house of our own, I pray that this tree, the very first plant I took care of here in the U.S. would have its own spot in a nice garden and finally planted on the ground :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-15209206398400495442020-05-31T19:19:00.000-07:002020-06-04T19:21:55.553-07:00Making Memories in the Month of May <div style="text-align: justify;">
So, were you able to <b>#MakeMayMatter</b>? It's the end of a seemingly longer than usual month but, instead of thinking about the things that continue to go wrong in this planet, I'd like to express gratitude instead for the things that went right:</div>
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🎂 I turned a year older</div>
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🌳 Hubby and I got to explore new hiking trails and started a new habit of communing with nature at least once a week</div>
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🌺 I had a ball taking pictures of a wide variety of flowers (even weeds!) and lots of beautiful sceneries</div>
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👩🍳 I got to prepare many homecooked meals for my family</div>
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🍊 We have easy access to buying fresh fruits and vegetables in various stores nearby</div>
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♿ While not being to go outside, our #GideonJamesJourney remains happy and healthy</div>
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💵 God continues to provide for our financial needs and we were able to share some of our blessings to those who needed them</div>
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🖥️ Thanks to technology, we are able to communicate regularly with family and friends living halfway around the world</div>
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🌱 My tiny garden of potted plants are doing well and bringing me much joy</div>
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There are more to this list but these are the top ones I am most thankful for. If you're also making a similar list, what would be in there? 😉<br />
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-52054821250146493962019-12-28T17:03:00.002-08:002019-12-28T17:03:31.168-08:0014 Tips for People Who are Migrating to Another Country<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since <u><a href="http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2018/08/home-is-where-heart-is-our-familys.html" target="_blank">moving to the <b>United States</b></a></u> two years ago, I have been asked for <b>tips and reminders</b> by friends who were also planning to push their reset buttons and start a new life outside the <b>Philippines</b>.</div>
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This coming 2020, I know of at least three families who are already scheduled to leave for the US. So, here’s sharing a list of tips that I have shared with them in case others may be able to find them useful as well. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjVNUikwhP7P55o7kTqYJ6_dJ8XY2HD0C0GpS8rkb2kM_f6R18D8Mh3MkPu6NEiUWAD8T_gjJ-bmOk8VT5SMJEqGbPYVJAxwkA1qoplFCdr86XC_xa2w8rivi9QzbdEVCgVg/s1600/migration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjVNUikwhP7P55o7kTqYJ6_dJ8XY2HD0C0GpS8rkb2kM_f6R18D8Mh3MkPu6NEiUWAD8T_gjJ-bmOk8VT5SMJEqGbPYVJAxwkA1qoplFCdr86XC_xa2w8rivi9QzbdEVCgVg/s400/migration.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>read our family's migration story, <u><a href="http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2018/08/home-is-where-heart-is-our-familys.html" target="_blank">here</a></u>, where we had to leave in batches </i></td></tr>
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1. <u style="font-weight: bold;">Secure documents</u> that would be very difficult to obtain once you’re no longer in the Philippines: birth certificates, transcript of records, diplomas, etc.</div>
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<i>*<b>Rule of thumb</b>: Prioritize to bring things that are impossible to duplicate outside your home country, especially if you won't be able to return for a long time.</i></div>
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2. If you have a child with special needs like we do or a family member with chronic conditions: <b><u>Bring clinical abstracts, hospitalization summaries, enough maintenance medications</u></b> (at least good for 3 months) and small medical equipment (eg. nebulizer, suction machine, feeding pump, etc). Know that it takes a while to get into the medical and insurance systems and you can’t just buy a lot of medical stuff (at pharmacies or even online) without a doctor’s prescription. The files documenting your child’s condition would be helpful when you start applying for government benefits for disabled residents. </div>
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<i>* As per my mom-in-law’s advice, we also brought some over-the-counter (OTC) meds for fever, headaches, coughs, and colds. Those became very useful especially during our first winter here.</i></div>
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3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Instead of bulky and heavy photo albums, <b><u>scan digital files of family pictures</u></b> that you want to keep and might want to post as throwback photos in the future. Make sure to save them in a durable external hard drive. </div>
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<i>* I wish I knew about the <b>HP Smart app</b> before! It scans documents and photos quickly by just using my phone’s camera. As it was, I tried to scan as many photos as possible, especially those of my kids’ babyhood and school photos, using our bulky HP printer with scanner. </i></div>
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<i>** Plus, I brought three <b>VHS tapes</b> with me that contain footages of my kids’ baby and childhood years. Once here, I had them converted into digital files.</i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66mrdZxe5ZH3fZUiBhKW6k3KDYVKdxgklGp_TMOu2LPvSggsczH3U_PrJ7sC_E-aVc_hToMP5k2j_w5RPYUm-xQXphGTEddx90RFmJ6vTOiMX1-5Yx4vBM2xCow06TD6IGX8/s1600/documents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66mrdZxe5ZH3fZUiBhKW6k3KDYVKdxgklGp_TMOu2LPvSggsczH3U_PrJ7sC_E-aVc_hToMP5k2j_w5RPYUm-xQXphGTEddx90RFmJ6vTOiMX1-5Yx4vBM2xCow06TD6IGX8/s400/documents.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>don't forget to have original copies!</i></td></tr>
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4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>Close extra bank accounts</u></b> and retain one PH-issued credit card (for emergency purchases) and its linked savings account (so you can pay for those credit card bills and other obligations you may be leaving behind like remaining utility bills and life insurance premiums). </div>
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<i>* My hubby was able to use his PH-issued credit card for car repairs during the time we still don’t have a US-issued credit card. Months later, I cancelled both our credit cards on their anniversaries because the bank wouldn’t waive our annual fees anymore.</i></div>
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<i>** As soon as you have extra funds, apply for a <b>secured credit card</b> (more about this on another blog post) to start building your credit score -- something immigrants should have as soon as they can.</i></div>
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5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If possible, try to <b><u>arrange for your postpaid cellphone number to be discontinued</u></b> a month or two after you leave the Philippines. You will still be able to receive messages but will be charged a lot if you use the text and call services. </div>
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My advice is to just bring at least one GSM phone with a prepaid number that has roaming activated. Link it to your savings account for those transactions that need <b>One-Time-PINs (OTPs)</b> and for reloading just the minimum amount a month just to keep it active. </div>
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When my family’s PH-based bank suddenly started requiring OTPs for all online transactions and all our PH-issued sims have already expired, I went through a lot of stress communicating with inefficient customer service reps for months before finding out that I needed to send a handwritten letter via snail mail (postage set me back $40 and it took a month to arrive!) to my branch in Alabang just to enroll my US-issued cellphone number to receive OTPs. Meanwhile, our life insurance policies almost lapsed from not being paid for more than half a year! </div>
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<i>* In the meantime, just to have something for communication purposes, it’s easy to buy a cheap phone with a prepaid sim in department stores like <b>Walmart</b> or <b>Target</b> here in case your PH phone (mine did) won’t work with US sims. You can also check if you’d qualify for a free government phone program, which is available in most states.</i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicew1ETdnXiAhp3Yhmzr7wNlvZZTCz4HkyLLnZN5eJDOWYq92bDrZo7urK_vEDSr2T9e6Qw0Znxu5PGSVCvYgxGW-VDlkaee3Ck4Fz_3DsOKZagCbR5dDQaKZ6xZkgut5zyr4/s1600/luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicew1ETdnXiAhp3Yhmzr7wNlvZZTCz4HkyLLnZN5eJDOWYq92bDrZo7urK_vEDSr2T9e6Qw0Znxu5PGSVCvYgxGW-VDlkaee3Ck4Fz_3DsOKZagCbR5dDQaKZ6xZkgut5zyr4/s400/luggage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>two of the bags we bought in Divisoria</i></td></tr>
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6. <b><u>Do NOT bring too many clothes!</u></b> If you’re okay with shopping at thrift shops, you can find a lot of good stuff (some even have tags still attached!) for really low prices. To see if there are stores near where you’ll be living, just search online for “thrift stores (or <b>Goodwill</b>) in [your city of destination].” </div>
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<i>* After buying down jackets and some extra warm clothing for my boys, I didn't want to spend for myself anymore and just used a coat my sister gave me to travel in. Happily, in our first week in California, I found a lovely branded down jacket for just $14.99 in a thrift shop! </i></div>
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7. <b><u>Don’t sweat the small stuff.</u></b> Avoid worrying about not bringing enough personal care items or even kitchen tools. Search <b>Google Maps</b> for “dollar stores in [city of destination]” and shop there for necessities once you get here.</div>
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8. If you’re trying to save money but don’t have enough bags for the whole family, <b><u>don’t buy brand new and super expensive luggage</u></b> from the malls. Check surplus stores first or even take a trip to Divisoria. You can buy new and better luggage here in the future when you need to take trips and already have the funds to buy good quality ones. Plus, you may have problems with storage if you have to keep all of them after the trip.</div>
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<i>*Almost all 11 pieces of luggage we used were damaged from mishandling (hubby and two of the boys’ stopover was in China). Only three pieces survived and had minor damages. I was able to use one again two years later when I went to the East Coast to visit relatives. </i></div>
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<i>**We didn’t know that checked-in mobility equipment are not counted as luggage! Hubby only had one large suitcase because he brought James’ jogger stroller. As it was, he could have brought another checked-in bag! </i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4CK_EcQX4gw8H61Z-tarDh-8ZNS34g1ah4jc8591euYWjBb7xdUCdJ5dEiVP3e5DGDD_ByJGTQQi5hzWsZhi3QbfM_QJBVwOvcU_k7X09xm77Nmi9lT8E1Scs7Vs3jexUj4/s1600/jogger+stroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4CK_EcQX4gw8H61Z-tarDh-8ZNS34g1ah4jc8591euYWjBb7xdUCdJ5dEiVP3e5DGDD_ByJGTQQi5hzWsZhi3QbfM_QJBVwOvcU_k7X09xm77Nmi9lT8E1Scs7Vs3jexUj4/s400/jogger+stroller.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>mobility equipment are not counted as checked-in bag!</i></td></tr>
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9. <b><u>Save the luggage space</u></b> (you can only bring two big ones as checked-in baggage per person) for stuff you feel like you will miss the most from home. In our case, I packed a lot of sachet mixes for <i>sinigang</i>, <i>kaldereta</i>, and <i>panggisa</i>; our preferred brand of instant noodles (promise, the same ones for export that can be bought here taste bland!); plus four bottles of our favorite concentrated <i>calamansi</i> juice. As new migrants who are not yet financially stable, you’d initially find them quite expensive in Filipino stores as we first did.</div>
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10. Bring <b><u>reusable eco-bags</u></b> that can be folded into small sizes and tucked inside your pocket or shoulder bag. I regretted leaving a lot of pretty eco-bags that I got from media events. Here, grocery plastic bags cost 10 cents each if you have nothing to put your purchases in and I’ve seen people discarding them later without any second thoughts, opting to just buy another bag the next time they shop. That’s practically throwing money away!</div>
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11. Since Filipinos tend to be <i>madiskarte</i> or <i>mag</i>-Mcgyver and plumbing services here are expensive, it is better to <b><u>bring some basic handyman tools</u></b> (and a roll of duct tape!) for quick-fix circumstances. This would help you avoid buying pricey items from home improvement stores while you’re still looking for a job or need to save more money. My husband’s tools came in real handy during our first few months when he attached a bidet to the toilet, among other things.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn-zrlHXiWPss48FykwymRciB4dpPL1BvGnHEusSaEVXRv0Z8Cuxx2Urs93VRWBFpFZRf_CSfJ13PvfTjEbvBUX7N-OG3G3h4bV3QCYzHVSs_X6MaaoT7H1i3b7mknmVK3pQ/s1600/handyman+tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="497" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn-zrlHXiWPss48FykwymRciB4dpPL1BvGnHEusSaEVXRv0Z8Cuxx2Urs93VRWBFpFZRf_CSfJ13PvfTjEbvBUX7N-OG3G3h4bV3QCYzHVSs_X6MaaoT7H1i3b7mknmVK3pQ/s400/handyman+tools.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>actual photo of hubby's tools we brought with us to the US</i></td></tr>
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12. <b><u>Sell off as many of your stuff as possible</u></b> so you won’t get stressed about where to store them and leaving them in storage for several years. When you get here, you’ll realize soon enough that many of things you planned to come back for someday would have been put to better use by other people. Most likely, you’ll find the same or similar items here, some even better than what you used to have.</div>
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<i>*I used <b>Shopee</b> to dispose of a lot of items and earned about P30,000 in just a few months from selling already heavily discounted second hand and never-been-used products. Some of the leftovers I gave away to relatives and neighbors while some were sold by my mom and sister in garage sales.</i></div>
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13. <b><u>Visit your dentist</u></b> and have as much dental work done as much as possible. Seriously, you will be frustrated at the exorbitant prices dentists charge here even WITH insurance! Also, they almost always refuse to do tooth fillings and want to perform root canals so they can charge you $1000 for the service. And that quote still doesn’t include dental veneers, tooth jackets, or dentures!</div>
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14. <b><u>Pay for your green card</u></b> processing while you’re still in the Philippines so that you can receive it in as little as two weeks after arriving in the US. According to the <b>PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar)</b> speaker at the <b>CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas)</b>, if you pay when you’re already here, it will take two months to arrive. I am not 100% sure about that timeline but we did the former and did receive our green cards in less than a month.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ncN9cbgfgdno2CIv14kNflcOb6Jn_pNPh4682QwgT1oCi0N_NPENxAOGD2esKh41El4QGmltsKo5axCcy3r6fnSOODHc6MnnS4ASdjbCsGv-_kAiuGV0BXQkQBcY0WiT8j8/s1600/arriving+at+lax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="722" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ncN9cbgfgdno2CIv14kNflcOb6Jn_pNPh4682QwgT1oCi0N_NPENxAOGD2esKh41El4QGmltsKo5axCcy3r6fnSOODHc6MnnS4ASdjbCsGv-_kAiuGV0BXQkQBcY0WiT8j8/s400/arriving+at+lax.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my and James' arrival at LAX</i></td></tr>
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Please note that everything in this post are based on my family’s own experiences and are just here as guides. Some of the tips may not be applicable to your specific circumstances but I hope you were able to find some of them helpful. </div>
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To fellow Filipinos who also migrated to another country, please feel free to share in the comments anything else you think should be included in this list. Thank you for reading! :) </div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-23073756538742977982019-12-22T07:45:00.001-08:002021-01-02T22:16:08.095-08:00Tips for Shooting Videos and Well-Lighted Photos at Home<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>FACT:</b> Not all living spaces are designed with big windows that let in a lot of natural light. Unfortunately, this is not a good thing for those who need to shoot good photos and videos at home.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhDpl8K9f5Xs91R5CSU3Z7LmgaNUY0rTQprEI6DC68pHVZy3hgn3xpGSg6caZEWoFDhn6FO3H-wcr0-Og8n8pWiNTcpzFQpbfgCEoV8En9kEjhZMLmdf8FL6MffT0ChNDaKc/s1600/selfie+ring+light.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhDpl8K9f5Xs91R5CSU3Z7LmgaNUY0rTQprEI6DC68pHVZy3hgn3xpGSg6caZEWoFDhn6FO3H-wcr0-Og8n8pWiNTcpzFQpbfgCEoV8En9kEjhZMLmdf8FL6MffT0ChNDaKc/s400/selfie+ring+light.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No more dark and shadowy photos and videos!</i></td></tr>
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Last year, I had to send a taped message to be used during the launch of my book <b><a href="http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2018/09/one-day-at-time-living-with-loved-one.html" target="_blank">Embracing <strike>Disability</strike> This Ability</a></b> in the Philippines since I wasn't able to fly back home and couldn't make it to the event.</div>
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At the time, hubby and I had difficulties finding a good spot in the townhouse we were living in. So we just settled for a place across the living room window to get the best illumination. Still, it wasn't as well-lighted as we wanted.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9hkTnPUs_MO4R0bXTAspdcMc-7ItRBMpDuCVneLI-edN1TyP-sThjFlwf2g00LI1ilt8jVLJgJj1XTcXbEA_szqYz1-tOA4_qnnvYnulTlqRQjy13OgcF_5z2Zm8uracCTQ/s1600/poorly+lighted+photo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="771" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9hkTnPUs_MO4R0bXTAspdcMc-7ItRBMpDuCVneLI-edN1TyP-sThjFlwf2g00LI1ilt8jVLJgJj1XTcXbEA_szqYz1-tOA4_qnnvYnulTlqRQjy13OgcF_5z2Zm8uracCTQ/s400/poorly+lighted+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>screenshot from last year's video</i></td></tr>
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The thing is, poorly-lighted videos can distract viewers from understanding one's message fully but we didn't have time to figure out a solution. And no, cellphone flashlights didn't help! </div>
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Fast forward to this year when I was requested to send another video for a Christmas outreach program to encourage fellow special needs parents who also have kids with cerebral palsy.</div>
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Thankfully, I found a <a href="https://amzn.to/2LjKJv9" target="_blank">very functional <b>ring light</b></a> online that can be mounted on a tripod and even comes with a tiny remote so users can easily stop and start recording whenever needed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxiOHdKjmmWK-IqHXI8Q3X8SIBTnN-ioPM-A3oCjCTEysmGdT5aIWHHkTWvsin9RIe9pxwcBGa2POaDmP-_RDocKDdnLSn4JHPORc5zivRjbiF45PDeG-29TQIyfcQXcwqwQ/s1600/well-lighted+photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxiOHdKjmmWK-IqHXI8Q3X8SIBTnN-ioPM-A3oCjCTEysmGdT5aIWHHkTWvsin9RIe9pxwcBGa2POaDmP-_RDocKDdnLSn4JHPORc5zivRjbiF45PDeG-29TQIyfcQXcwqwQ/s400/well-lighted+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, hubby and I were happy with the results. Aren't advances in technology awesome?! </div>
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<i><b>P.S.</b> For those wondering, I bought the selfie right light <u><a href="https://amzn.to/2LjKJv9" target="_blank">here</a></u> and the well-lighted photos were taken using hubby's Pixel 2 XL and my Pixel 3. </i></div>
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<i><b>Note:</b> Google's NOT a sponsor of this blog although I wish it is! We are just really happy with our phones :)</i></div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-70684750799709331762019-10-05T03:34:00.000-07:002019-10-05T04:28:13.939-07:00Shane's Inspiration: Los Angeles' Wonderful Inclusive Playground<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two weeks ago, my husband and I brought <b>Gideon James</b> to yet another park we haven't visited before. While it was nice to stroll around the winding pathways and enjoy the beauty of nature, we were once again disappointed that there's nothing in the playground that can cater to our young man's condition. Since James has very poor trunk and head control, a regular swing seat poses a lot of dangers for him.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3151QI5NmMXkposRhdFnIO6cZ91GPKmUldBN4owA8WO4ZdP3mFd1eQavRy-bQk76KZB-J57RY-Mo_cGz7_Iz3MwdPAa8KojPutqo938PYzBJn-cUAutIDikHURDaqtDyceY/s1600/accessible+swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3151QI5NmMXkposRhdFnIO6cZ91GPKmUldBN4owA8WO4ZdP3mFd1eQavRy-bQk76KZB-J57RY-Mo_cGz7_Iz3MwdPAa8KojPutqo938PYzBJn-cUAutIDikHURDaqtDyceY/s400/accessible+swing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>James was all smiles at his first time to ride an accessible swing!</i></td></tr>
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Frustrated, I <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2z0jNfnn9F" target="_blank">posted a photo</a></u> on Instagram asking for inclusive playground recommendations. As fairly new residents of <b>Southern California</b>, we are continuously exploring and looking for accessibility-friendly places. Thankfully, IG users @mely_furtado and @jenntmqz left comments on my post. They both suggested we check out @shanesplay so I excitedly researched about it and found out that <b><a href="https://shanesinspiration.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shane's Inspiration</a></b>, located within <b>Griffith Park</b>, is approximately 29 miles away from our place. Since it's a bit far, I promised myself to find an opportunity soon to bring my son there.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZEKNpimZZJiB_GLUG3ID6a8ruAky2R6vQwcpdjb836rXLMCMtsi-gtDwH3G53AmcCtl1Oz_mUpBNDdBDfm6xKxlVz83PI4FY8WYJajOjU-Hf5x9Q2-w5gf60GJG07u9ATOY/s1600/jumbo+playset+with+different+activities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZEKNpimZZJiB_GLUG3ID6a8ruAky2R6vQwcpdjb836rXLMCMtsi-gtDwH3G53AmcCtl1Oz_mUpBNDdBDfm6xKxlVz83PI4FY8WYJajOjU-Hf5x9Q2-w5gf60GJG07u9ATOY/s400/jumbo+playset+with+different+activities.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>this playground set has special features that kids of all abilities would love</i></td></tr>
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The other day, our family attended a Conservatorship court appearance schedule in downtown <b>Los Angeles</b>. Hubby and our second son took the whole day off work so we could also visit the playground in the afternoon. We are sooooo happy we did! </div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K8Q45qYHlbM" width="425"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>watch this video to see just how much fun James had!</i></span></div>
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I think James didn't quite know what to expect when his dad sat him down on the swing with protective harness because it took a while for him to realize what's going on. But once the swing got moving and he saw how happy we were, he started smiling and laughing with us! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCWcoqO-GKyG_Uxb2F5CVk3qxVOj7JzP9y8gAYOhyQaWmtqmwO_pIKxd5CO1qlMz_8WO60bqnYdNvPDq0Qj6kK4_nu0nNFxgs4_3t0KjQfXYHnzhoe1bbtkBCYUhMiOI3A9o/s1600/crawling+baby+chasing+a+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCWcoqO-GKyG_Uxb2F5CVk3qxVOj7JzP9y8gAYOhyQaWmtqmwO_pIKxd5CO1qlMz_8WO60bqnYdNvPDq0Qj6kK4_nu0nNFxgs4_3t0KjQfXYHnzhoe1bbtkBCYUhMiOI3A9o/s400/crawling+baby+chasing+a+bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the playground floor is made of a soft padded material <br />that even babies can crawl on it without hurting their sensitive skin!</i></td></tr>
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We also had James ride the awesome zip line seat that was likewise designed with safety features. His big grins told us how much he enjoyed the new experience.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZRicMzRAOnBOqHHtSAzYVoEbMAdnjsmzL4n3wQhRw_pJqFa3xNHtwGULr7igPqReZ21Z9Gz_L1WkSJTGTJb6b3YuU9mLxvlzjlfx4I1kJNLoLcL8bOwtjCDKTetE-YIZfYM/s1600/accessiblility-friendly+playground+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZRicMzRAOnBOqHHtSAzYVoEbMAdnjsmzL4n3wQhRw_pJqFa3xNHtwGULr7igPqReZ21Z9Gz_L1WkSJTGTJb6b3YuU9mLxvlzjlfx4I1kJNLoLcL8bOwtjCDKTetE-YIZfYM/s400/accessiblility-friendly+playground+toys.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>making music with Daddy was so much fun!</i></td></tr>
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Before we left, we also had James try playing the huge xylophone and hand drum. It was so great to also see other babies and children having a go at the many installations in this very special playground. I am beyond grateful to everyone who made this place possible. Thank you very, very much!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBcTz3W0NUuIEHTo4gwY3IUZvMrFDYpIkydchIJ60mNQKKAzb6DqELj74deuybSP1dFvDE3saEthGkDuBz1T9nDAdwgTYU48l69arqZe9Vm0ChB4c5nljeColJ0s9nH4gUGU/s1600/basketball+court+for+all+ages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBcTz3W0NUuIEHTo4gwY3IUZvMrFDYpIkydchIJ60mNQKKAzb6DqELj74deuybSP1dFvDE3saEthGkDuBz1T9nDAdwgTYU48l69arqZe9Vm0ChB4c5nljeColJ0s9nH4gUGU/s400/basketball+court+for+all+ages.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>a basketball court for all ages</i></td></tr>
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Read <u><a href="https://shanesinspiration.org/aboutus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></u> how loving parents <b>Catherine Curry-Williams</b> and <b>Scott Williams</b> conceptualized this wonderful playground in honor of their son, <b>Shane Alexander</b>. You, too, can visit Shane's Inspiration at 4800 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-_J-jwM5WgNvRfaMZPEZa8TPw9y3VNNr_UWhdGiyhtbH4S2yWShCHLei1yV2Focz40p4_8u242_MhUpq1zfYG9mZlhqW9Br1dZQM-2Mla1bDSJr3g7kNcJtsVIKcmM5Zi6E/s1600/thank+you+shane%2527s+inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="638" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-_J-jwM5WgNvRfaMZPEZa8TPw9y3VNNr_UWhdGiyhtbH4S2yWShCHLei1yV2Focz40p4_8u242_MhUpq1zfYG9mZlhqW9Br1dZQM-2Mla1bDSJr3g7kNcJtsVIKcmM5Zi6E/s400/thank+you+shane%2527s+inspiration.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you, Shane's Inspiration! We'll visit again, soon!</i></td></tr>
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Make sure to use <b>Google Maps</b> to get there because the playground can be quite challenging to find with some sharp turns that you might miss if you don't have specific driving directions. Enjoy! I hope fellow parents who also have differently-abled children would find this information useful :) </div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-9056423433457511082019-03-23T05:10:00.003-07:002019-03-23T05:10:48.086-07:00Best Day Foundation: Providing Fun Adventures for Kids and Young Adults with Special Needs<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a parent of a son with <b>special needs</b>, I have many dreams for him that I thought would remain just that -- dreams. But, through the years, God has shown our family that certain wishes could actually come true when we take the time to look for, and recognize, answers to our prayers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0WD49yjXWuY1gla2gGeiNYxZ3kl9c-MLW0B2Sbu2LIZp9bU69XCUFkEZmaACeTPrR14IV9Gxe4Z5o0jjr0K1QMSSZySNfzNIQOmL2-K2hiYim5rRMDiW0ng_dKY9cOuYwkk/s1600/surfing+special+needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0WD49yjXWuY1gla2gGeiNYxZ3kl9c-MLW0B2Sbu2LIZp9bU69XCUFkEZmaACeTPrR14IV9Gxe4Z5o0jjr0K1QMSSZySNfzNIQOmL2-K2hiYim5rRMDiW0ng_dKY9cOuYwkk/s400/surfing+special+needs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In my wildest dreams, I never thought my son would get the chance to go surfing!</i></td></tr>
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Honestly though, I didn't quite imagine receiving certain <b>unexpected blessings</b> that seemed so impossible to have many years ago. And yet, here we are, seeing James getting to enjoy life so much more because he's healthier and happier and is presented with opportunities that were not available when we were still living in the Philippines.</div>
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Last year, one of the best things that gave us so much joy was seeing James go surfing and do other fun water activities that we never thought existed!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nse816lMPTq_1-CP-RRFqjbknp4Tb4bedwH-27j5AJUG6cuV918gMT_2FAd_B00ttUY39_8xefXAyW6ZRpQhxkXcE1VVkmzHHeKdzdgT_SLuDgX1oWlfgNqIk0id9zCck50/s1600/special+needs+paddleboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nse816lMPTq_1-CP-RRFqjbknp4Tb4bedwH-27j5AJUG6cuV918gMT_2FAd_B00ttUY39_8xefXAyW6ZRpQhxkXcE1VVkmzHHeKdzdgT_SLuDgX1oWlfgNqIk0id9zCck50/s400/special+needs+paddleboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Daddy and James on a paddleboard in Newport Beach</i></td></tr>
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It was sometime in February 2018 when I chanced upon a blog post of <b>Joyful Journey Mom</b> who shared the list of special needs resources she compiled. Unfortunately, her website couldn't be found anymore because the domain seemed to have expired. Anyhow, I've read there about an organization called <b>Ride A Wave</b> that "enables kids with special needs to experience the thrill of riding a wave regardless of their challenges."</div>
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Curious, I visited their website and saw that they are based in Santa Cruz, California, which is 364 miles away from where we live. Still hopeful, I filled out their contact form and asked if there may be a chance for them to hold a beach camp nearer us. The next day, Don, a member of their advisory board, emailed back and suggested I check out their sister organization in <b>Southern California</b> instead. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BVW-J3ZsdCObp3Wha0bJed6nydFFqiSowosf05BSeyrLSuvHVkltW-OCdwZnLgX8Snp-9p7yNEHQMrfwaiKEnzd6ylGD2u1XfhbIuMjFZ1cLwH8V-ki_dx9y1y6T-8AJKtg/s1600/best+day+foundation+and+special+needs+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BVW-J3ZsdCObp3Wha0bJed6nydFFqiSowosf05BSeyrLSuvHVkltW-OCdwZnLgX8Snp-9p7yNEHQMrfwaiKEnzd6ylGD2u1XfhbIuMjFZ1cLwH8V-ki_dx9y1y6T-8AJKtg/s400/best+day+foundation+and+special+needs+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Best Day Foundation has the best volunteers and staff members!</i> </td></tr>
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That was how I found <b><u><a href="http://bestdayfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Day Foundation</a></u></b>, an organization that creates special days for kids and young adults ages 4 to 24+ who have <b>Autism</b>, <b>Down Syndrome</b>, <b>Cerebral Palsy</b>, <b>Blindness</b>, <b>Cancer</b>, <b>Spinal Cord Injuries</b>, and other <b>physical and developmental challenges</b>.</div>
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Eagerly, I visited their website, browsed the photos and videos, and got more excited when I found locations that are within reasonable driving distance. When I had James watch some of the videos and asked if he would like to go to the beach and ride a surfboard, his eyes lit up and he started smiling and laughing. In my heart of hearts, that was my affirmation that he should have that amazing experience!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjT-pJWqiGtcFq1kx7mJu_EJ18q0msGO-ExaUwiwB6-8gZntHmqVBcDb1_2TyBPfx3X00crOoWqvwwDWmrQ8iGtLiki4mVtaWChoaagIFO2Q1GvdjK04tMhrLMAWsemmCkWM/s1600/special+needs+surf+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="640" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjT-pJWqiGtcFq1kx7mJu_EJ18q0msGO-ExaUwiwB6-8gZntHmqVBcDb1_2TyBPfx3X00crOoWqvwwDWmrQ8iGtLiki4mVtaWChoaagIFO2Q1GvdjK04tMhrLMAWsemmCkWM/s400/special+needs+surf+chair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Isn't that smile contagious?! :)</i></td></tr>
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After discussing it with my husband, I signed James up for a slot for the May 20th activity in <b>Seal Beach</b> even though it was still three months away. In the meantime, we'd watch the videos on the website every now and then while I kept reminding James to patiently wait for a few more weeks. He would always answer me with a big smile.</div>
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May 20th turned out to be a little cold and cloudy though so I became a bit concerned about how chilly the water would be. Thankfully, aside from the helmets and life jackets, Best Day provided all participants with wetsuits to keep them warm. Everyone was so friendly when we got to the site. James was paired with his beach buddies, <b>Heather</b> and <b>Bryan</b>, who took great care of him while hubby, myself, and our son Gab, took photos and videos to preserve the precious moments.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWriteBreatheLive%2Fvideos%2F408562606576415%2F&show_text=0&width=450" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="450"></iframe></div>
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When it was finally James' turn to ride the specially designed surf chair, I felt nervous but still excited at the same time especially seeing how far he and his surfer buddy were from the shore. Once they caught a wave and we saw them coming closer, everyone could see the big grin my son had. It was such an emotional moment for us to see James experiencing something that didn't even cross our minds to be a possibility!</div>
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Needless to say, the day was a huge success. Our young man was smiling all throughout that morning, in the car while going home, and up until he fell asleep that night. It felt so good to see him thoroughly enjoy that unique experience that I wish other kids like him could also get to have. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib26Cfq4Dgq6RBhOtAoVYTxl6C9NNM7a8QVW-YWhBfp_4gFMnaaNSVhkbG9XAzmY02zDon4NoE4Wx7ge43tIByVRDb5Eg3UneoSopxbhHXxep_Vuv2qoY1y7YlDYO5VZ3ebYo/s1600/special+needs+parenting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib26Cfq4Dgq6RBhOtAoVYTxl6C9NNM7a8QVW-YWhBfp_4gFMnaaNSVhkbG9XAzmY02zDon4NoE4Wx7ge43tIByVRDb5Eg3UneoSopxbhHXxep_Vuv2qoY1y7YlDYO5VZ3ebYo/s400/special+needs+parenting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>happy family at the beach</i></td></tr>
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Since then, every time we show him photos of him surfing and being on the beach, he would express excitement and happiness at the memory. So I checked if there would still be other activities in SoCal in the coming months and fortunately found a slot for October 7th at <b>Seal Beach</b>. There, he was taken good care of volunteer <b>Eddie</b>, his assigned beach buddy for the day.</div>
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I am blogging about this now because I'd like to encourage other parents with special needs kids to likewise <u><a href="https://bestdayfoundation.org/event/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sign their children up to upcoming 2019 activities</a></u> that start next month and will be happening in <b>Florida</b>, <b>California</b> (San Diego, Orange County, LA County, Ventura, Sta. Barbara), <b>North Carolina</b>, <b>Virginia</b>, and <b>Maryland</b>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Best Day at the beach with new friends</i></td></tr>
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<b>Volunteers</b> are also welcome to share their time! Please visit <u><a href="http://bestdayfoundation.org/volunteer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bestdayfoundation.org/volunteer</a></u> to sign up and read the FAQs. <b>Donors</b>, please consider sharing your resources at <u><a href="http://bestdayfoundation.org/donate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bestdayfoundation.org/donate</a></u> to help subsidize participants whose parents may not be able to shoulder even the minimal registration fee. </div>
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Dear readers, if you know of families who may benefit from this information, please do share it with them. I hope, one of these days, I'll be able to hear about a kid who was brought to a Best Day event because their mom or dad happened to read this blog post. It would be awesome to find out how more young people with special needs were able to experience one of their best days like our James had :) </div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-42283253087005239342019-01-24T18:47:00.005-08:002022-06-02T20:36:33.697-07:00Today, My Son "Walked" For the Very First Time With the Help of Trexo Robotics!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those who have been following this blog and have read my book, <b><a href="http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2018/09/one-day-at-time-living-with-loved-one.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Embracing <strike>Disability</strike> This Ability</span></a></b>, already know that James, my son with cerebral palsy, could not talk nor walk and can't even sit up by himself without the seat belts and harnesses on his wheelchair and car seat. But, despite James' limitations, our family continues to find ways in making his life better. We also keep praying and hoping for further signs of development on how he communicates and moves. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>seeing James walk used to be just a dream</i></td></tr>
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Since we moved to <b>California</b> in November 2017, James is still yet to have physical and occupational therapy services due to several factors, one of which is his transition from child to adult under the state's health care services system after he turned 21 last September. While we patiently wait for things to fall into place, I actively seek connections with organizations and caring individuals who have the heart to help the special needs community. </div>
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Last week, Canadian-based <b>Trexo Robotics</b> announced that they will be coming to <b>Los Angeles</b> for two days to allow mobility-challenged kids try their awesome device. I have been following their posts on <b>Instagram</b> for quite a while now and find inspiration in the stories of children who are being helped to walk using Trexo's enabling technology.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpzW56Boh85iuOAQ3oObeaMd-HNr0zdfYT76iZFcCxyMUrcVQnvDkiRf6a_jjliN3iLIkgI654ECjCqfNlXgakScQEMVXrUdk5nTPMKo632mKozb-hC8rwcsVj-8jnlb26xM/s1600/james+with+the+trexo+team+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpzW56Boh85iuOAQ3oObeaMd-HNr0zdfYT76iZFcCxyMUrcVQnvDkiRf6a_jjliN3iLIkgI654ECjCqfNlXgakScQEMVXrUdk5nTPMKo632mKozb-hC8rwcsVj-8jnlb26xM/s400/james+with+the+trexo+team+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you so much, Manmeet, Rahul, and Dina for<br />giving James a chance to try the Trexo!</i></td></tr>
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Without knowing where exactly they will be in LA, I resolved to bring James to them if they could give him a slot for a trial. I reached out to the Trexo team via direct messaging and got a call from COO <b>Dina Nikitina</b> on the phone who asked me a few questions. She then informed me the next day that they can accommodate us for January 24th at 10AM.</div>
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Early this morning, my husband, James, and I traveled 34 miles to Hawthorne where <b>NAPA (Neurological and Physical Abilitation) Center</b> is located. There, we met Dina as well as Trexo Robotics founders <b>Manmeet Raggu</b> and <b>Rahul Udasi</b> (read the wonderful story on how they started Trexo, <a href="https://trexorobotics.com/our-story/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">here</span></a>) who patiently helped James get comfortable in the walker with the robotic attachments before they got him "walking" using controls on a tablet.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">For the first time in his life, James was able to move by himself with the help of technology and, while I focused on taking pictures and videos, it took me a lot of effort not to start crying upon seeing my son beaming big smiles while he took 199 steps in less than 10 minutes!</div>
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In individuals like James who hadn't experience how to walk independently and whose legs most likely do not know the correct motions needed to do this activity, I believe Trexo's innovative technology would be a big help in training the muscles and the brain to remember stepping movements through practice and repetition.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cherishing this new milestone in <b>#gideonjamesjourney</b></i></td></tr>
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After this Trexo trial, my husband and I plan to look for ways on how we could lease, if not buy, the device so James could practice walking more until such time he could, hopefully, graduate to a simple walker. We'd sincerely appreciate it if you could help us pray about this. Just like in the very beginning when we started in this <b>special needs parenting journey</b>, my family and I will keep on dreaming more dreams for this young man who never fails to give us immense joy each and every day.</div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com1California, USA36.778261 -119.41793248.4680271638211551 -154.57418239999998 65.088494836178853 -84.2616824tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-9822710666420875062018-10-31T18:01:00.002-07:002018-10-31T18:01:25.588-07:004 Top Reasons I Fell in Love with Fall<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2018/08/home-is-where-heart-is-our-familys.html" target="_blank">My family arrived in the <b>United States</b></a> during fall so it holds a special place in my heart. After almost a year of living in <b>California</b> and experiencing fall for the second time, I can now list some of the things I love about this particular season! 😀 </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGfOmZTAyi6tZiwtIZ29MCkc7Ny3dBATCbufoaDLUuzsqS0pbIrn32MSWKzDYTUaiSJrfKFdgNQGkYmvFITQQeK5ilR1z04bTF83JPDygyD8yKeEcbxELY-_8ZXfZ5wX0wlE/s1600/mother+and+son+loving+fall+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="640" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGfOmZTAyi6tZiwtIZ29MCkc7Ny3dBATCbufoaDLUuzsqS0pbIrn32MSWKzDYTUaiSJrfKFdgNQGkYmvFITQQeK5ilR1z04bTF83JPDygyD8yKeEcbxELY-_8ZXfZ5wX0wlE/s400/mother+and+son+loving+fall+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>enjoying our first autumn</i></td></tr>
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<b>1. The changing colors of the leaves</b> is very fascinating especially from someone who has lived in a tropical country all her life before migrating to a country that has <b>four seasons</b> instead of just two. I take pleasure in seeing multi-colored leaves on the trees before they fall to the ground. Hopefully, my family and I could get to visit a place soon where there are a wider variety of trees sporting a profusion of colors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejX__nnUb7qCMv0NCU7R1Csae88TsdyotoTT44nQt0xToVcqVCtlJ1m8mC-32KgyRbmPPEbIPpfRbdKsARD6kjW8lJ5OIzJmfKsJp_bcEmd2nQyWwmoge7NxMrTjNzLjMn7o/s1600/autumn+leaves+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="444" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejX__nnUb7qCMv0NCU7R1Csae88TsdyotoTT44nQt0xToVcqVCtlJ1m8mC-32KgyRbmPPEbIPpfRbdKsARD6kjW8lJ5OIzJmfKsJp_bcEmd2nQyWwmoge7NxMrTjNzLjMn7o/s400/autumn+leaves+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>colorful leaves!</i></td></tr>
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<b>2. The "sweater weather"</b> is way more favorable for me than the bone-chilling cold of winter and early spring. It's nice to be able to feel the cool temperature without shaking uncontrollably and wishing I could put on more layers of clothing on top of the three I'm already wearing! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCSo9UjR0joAz5VIuM_MakoywiUOTUuLa-5u9BLsHMnhT5ZtaXkSzeK_z-4Ow7oYA30VgFYqbhT44c1fVu5vWPcdD6CWcXIpSAFwaHF8baSnKGMNRDGvzr00yCaItLZ_00sM/s1600/daddy+and+james+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCSo9UjR0joAz5VIuM_MakoywiUOTUuLa-5u9BLsHMnhT5ZtaXkSzeK_z-4Ow7oYA30VgFYqbhT44c1fVu5vWPcdD6CWcXIpSAFwaHF8baSnKGMNRDGvzr00yCaItLZ_00sM/s400/daddy+and+james+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>afternoon walk with Daddy and James</i></td></tr>
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Hands down, fall is a great time to go strolling around the neighborhood in the afternoons because the crisp and cozy weather won't make you sweat nor will it make you feel chilled. Also, you get to save on electricity because you just have to close the windows at night to feel warmer as there is no need yet to turn on the heater. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1aN77_gqphh58XrIaAeMFtgJ36ClkZAbFHb1INwlot7QS95j2vdzQKGxtTsiDbzJaEdHd6dZQTxrrhamZ2dbm0smLXk0FYB3Oib5vAfvCYnOEUNoO5sHlo3_x2Lp7nHU1Xs/s1600/boys+at+the+pumpkin+patch+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="640" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1aN77_gqphh58XrIaAeMFtgJ36ClkZAbFHb1INwlot7QS95j2vdzQKGxtTsiDbzJaEdHd6dZQTxrrhamZ2dbm0smLXk0FYB3Oib5vAfvCYnOEUNoO5sHlo3_x2Lp7nHU1Xs/s400/boys+at+the+pumpkin+patch+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>brothers and cousins</i></td></tr>
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<b>3. The opportunity to visit a pumpkin patch</b>, I believe, has become one of our favorite activities to do during fall. Our family went to one for the first time recently and we enjoyed taking a lot of photos while we marvel at the hundreds (maybe thousands?) of orange balls dotting the big field at <b>Cal Poly in Pomona</b>. Next year, I hope we can also have time to do some apple picking in one of the many orchards dotting California. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdTjQ8ZqHXNRXIlXMa2BvrGp7FxSV3-dElX0sASkEUHyft5FV4hTMS_D9GWBAtA2NJS6B4jDxEXN2NQ4TbUUFX1f9kUW88dQB215Mc8LRDiXJ3WBOK-H86LFg2x8YI3UXIhQ/s1600/thanksgiving+2017+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="640" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdTjQ8ZqHXNRXIlXMa2BvrGp7FxSV3-dElX0sASkEUHyft5FV4hTMS_D9GWBAtA2NJS6B4jDxEXN2NQ4TbUUFX1f9kUW88dQB215Mc8LRDiXJ3WBOK-H86LFg2x8YI3UXIhQ/s400/thanksgiving+2017+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>our first Thanksgiving in the US</i></td></tr>
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<b>4. Having a reason to gather with extended family during Thanksgiving </b>and express gratitude for all our blessings is one of fall's highlights that I deeply cherish. Last year, James and I arrived a week before this special day so it was a doubly joyous time for all of us because we became physically reunited again with our loved ones. </div>
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I know my family and I still have to experience more things in the coming years to add to this list like <b>Black Friday</b> or <b>Cyber Monday</b>, perhaps? Give us time, I'm sure the day would come when this blog post would become longer. How about you? What do you love about the <b>fall season</b>? I'd appreciate it if you can share your answer/s in the comments section below 🍁</div>
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<br />Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-22228510104372198962018-09-05T18:21:00.001-07:002021-10-12T12:41:42.264-07:00One Day at a Time -- Living with a Loved One Who Has Cerebral Palsy <div style="text-align: justify;">
“<b>He will die early</b>,” said the seven-year-old boy solemnly before he walked away. I was left speechless, staring at his retreating figure. I am sharing this several years after the incident when I have finally found the <b>inner peace</b> to write about it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvzmdTQld-VXCtVyJ6_dMH0wYv7L1eBDXm6qhxnZeF3L3JVj5atmD-CmFj6ZbzRUwHdO60Vy6WQFp8VFGK5B9cOTAXa-onF3JJHvz0WEmOwVmnBQtG_AmM-Oq1Y51f_qqzZI/s1600/james+16+y.o.+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvzmdTQld-VXCtVyJ6_dMH0wYv7L1eBDXm6qhxnZeF3L3JVj5atmD-CmFj6ZbzRUwHdO60Vy6WQFp8VFGK5B9cOTAXa-onF3JJHvz0WEmOwVmnBQtG_AmM-Oq1Y51f_qqzZI/s400/james+16+y.o.+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>16-year-old James</i></td></tr>
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My family and I were at a party in my sister’s house and the kid was the son of one of their guests. The boy was talking about my then sixteen-year-old son, <b>Gideon James</b>, who looked like he was also only seven years old because he has <b>cerebral palsy</b>.</div>
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I don’t know exactly how the child arrived at such a conclusion after asking me questions when he saw me feeding my son <b>blenderized food</b> via a tube embedded in his stomach. But I guess, as many innocent children do, he made his statement based on what he thought was true.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy58aohUzYUdG_zq86vnVsboUYqupAvfXMMtFoKizxPT1fLFpS_1yri0hxFlGvFQ3_adaw4pFFv1JnIWLb3DrYbH83N92vWQ0vnqlne7PZmaSYLEKIukB_1pGjBacH1iIKMvg/s1600/james+1+day+old+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy58aohUzYUdG_zq86vnVsboUYqupAvfXMMtFoKizxPT1fLFpS_1yri0hxFlGvFQ3_adaw4pFFv1JnIWLb3DrYbH83N92vWQ0vnqlne7PZmaSYLEKIukB_1pGjBacH1iIKMvg/s400/james+1+day+old+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>one day old James </i></td></tr>
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I wasn’t really offended. Just a little bit shocked to hear that sentence spoken aloud. The last time someone had told me, “Your son will most likely die” was when my then barely one-month-old baby was fighting for his life inside an <b>intensive care unit</b> incubator. He proved his neonatologist wrong and continued to defy many other specialists’ prognoses in succeeding years.</div>
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My son is a warrior and a minister. He has been fighting obstacles and overcoming them since the day he was born. He may not be able to speak nor sit up by himself but from him, my husband, my three other children, and I acquired so many lessons that we would not otherwise have learned if he had grown up “normal” like his brothers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdyuAwVuHqofUbKxXeDRsJsg28SdT6HMM6pZr5s0N8G3F_icQPL7nPUGGWkIsg3dEQHA6b2gQ6ydAVyE-ODD0sf0m5ptzA71to8pvHJgpbiisDFOAjLBlEXfjHMKfk5v11Iw/s1600/siblings+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="800" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdyuAwVuHqofUbKxXeDRsJsg28SdT6HMM6pZr5s0N8G3F_icQPL7nPUGGWkIsg3dEQHA6b2gQ6ydAVyE-ODD0sf0m5ptzA71to8pvHJgpbiisDFOAjLBlEXfjHMKfk5v11Iw/s400/siblings+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1-year-old James (2nd from left) with brothers circa 1998</i></td></tr>
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Over the years, our <b>home</b> has become a school of sorts for all the members of our family where we were taught much, over and over it seems, about <b>patience</b>, <b>understanding</b>, <b>compassion</b>, <b>empathy</b>, <b>acceptance</b>, <b>faith</b>, and <b>prudence</b> among many other things.</div>
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How different life could have been if my son doesn’t have cerebral palsy! And yet, I don’t think our family would have become the strong unit it is now without the trials we went through together because of our <b>special child</b>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xn6sg8ULfhshxyuRLN7VXJprtGSqP3OeihNRAVi2Furbklae5rAYOEk2rnIm8UEHhz-qDFVHs2H3CtTWxwmUmBKNE0aOmlsElUbt6AOpxUICmUyCqm2BVyrzHwTjOLtF-k8/s1600/4+brothers+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="640" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xn6sg8ULfhshxyuRLN7VXJprtGSqP3OeihNRAVi2Furbklae5rAYOEk2rnIm8UEHhz-qDFVHs2H3CtTWxwmUmBKNE0aOmlsElUbt6AOpxUICmUyCqm2BVyrzHwTjOLtF-k8/s400/4+brothers+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>8-year-old James (2nd from left) with his brothers circa 2005</i></td></tr>
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People usually tell me they can’t imagine what they’ll do if something like this happened to them. And I assure them that they will find the strength they need if that time comes. When we got married, my husband and I never thought that we’d be given the kind of challenge we used to believe was only reserved for parents with <b>unwavering faith</b> and <b>resourcefulness</b>. Yet, we were chosen to be parents of a special child. And, so far, I believe we’ve been coping a lot better than we’d ever thought possible. </div>
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Through James, we’ve met <b>kindred souls</b> who have <b>little angels</b> of their own. And through them all, we’ve been assured that we’re not taking this journey alone. We have a <b>spiritual extended family</b> with members who unselfishly share with us time, knowledge, advice, and even precious resources because they know how hard it is when you try to do it on your own. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh9jZfkAAF1AynSchwVksiC8ahLkSFICpoThp6xO31Aj3ws2INv5iXUmcsynEs0cZ8Mh0ieqSyTPu2uGq50BQs-cj5_vdf-hj-pLhWQH7bUmsZAs0xKbbc1MjchvKBPG3vrI/s1600/floresca+family+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="640" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh9jZfkAAF1AynSchwVksiC8ahLkSFICpoThp6xO31Aj3ws2INv5iXUmcsynEs0cZ8Mh0ieqSyTPu2uGq50BQs-cj5_vdf-hj-pLhWQH7bUmsZAs0xKbbc1MjchvKBPG3vrI/s400/floresca+family+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>family pic 2014</i></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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I have long ago relinquished the question <b>“Why me?”</b> because a book, written by a mom who also has a child with special needs, gave me the push to instead ask, <b>“Why not me?”</b> I don’t remember the exact moment, or even if I did have one, when I had that <b>imaginary bulb </b>light up, and I realized that I am stronger emotionally and physically, more patient, and more resourceful than I’ve ever given myself credit for. </div>
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Turning my thoughts away from <b>“what if”</b> to <b>“what now”</b> made me accept the positive possibilities that this kind of parenting continues to teach me and the rest of my family. I’ve come to wake up in the mornings with a big thought bubble that says, “Bring it on! I will overcome anything bad this day will throw at me!”</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGnScODg-KZp-6BampedG_GNDJM097nZG-tanhKKyamPZLrm2E6FfoCRxMMe7G3U5UkW-OQIwxGo0yl-l4NnyLnfScjCJcnX0FCZMoHBrNcXK8PBU760A6YwWZ8iQwUt9DI4/s1600/mommy+and+james+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGnScODg-KZp-6BampedG_GNDJM097nZG-tanhKKyamPZLrm2E6FfoCRxMMe7G3U5UkW-OQIwxGo0yl-l4NnyLnfScjCJcnX0FCZMoHBrNcXK8PBU760A6YwWZ8iQwUt9DI4/s400/mommy+and+james+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>20-year-old James (March 2018)</i> </td></tr>
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Still, there are times, when I am far too exhausted and vulnerable, when a niggling guilt would creep up on me and make me question if I had done something in the past that makes me responsible for my child’s condition. I am just thankful that those thoughts don’t come as often as before. In time, I’ve learned to forgive myself for those lapses of self-pity and anguish and instead pat myself on the back for doing my best and managing to survive the never-ending trials I deal with every day.</div>
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<b>Special children</b> don’t come with an instruction manual, but their families eventually discover what would work best for them. Ours did and my son gave us that rare chance to see the world through the eyes of someone who is not willing to be defeated by his disabilities. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9xYX9-RXK1tAiNufJ1urR61di7KgS3VaKClK2k-y6rzh4aaghAuFln24tOukFpqJrFN89eztuBI8VhFex7S6oCrp_63BOxsKlgsLHrc0uzQRYKrrconnfbE_X4f0LdjkXK4/s1600/%2523weareteamfloresca+-+mommywrites.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9xYX9-RXK1tAiNufJ1urR61di7KgS3VaKClK2k-y6rzh4aaghAuFln24tOukFpqJrFN89eztuBI8VhFex7S6oCrp_63BOxsKlgsLHrc0uzQRYKrrconnfbE_X4f0LdjkXK4/s400/%2523weareteamfloresca+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2016 family photo</i></td></tr>
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The death of one’s child, I believe, is one of many parents’ greatest fears. For moms and dads of kids with special needs, that fear hovers constantly and is difficult to ignore. And yet, it is our very own special children who teach us to forget about being terrified because they are still here with us to provide <b>light and joy</b> in our lives.</div>
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As you read this book, whether you have a family member with special needs or not, may our story provide you with <b>inspiration</b> and <b>hope</b> that God is also looking out for you … always.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoDT6eJ6o15p1G4RGWXwnp_VUnnetxjEpqizK7rLbMj94l48FmqKgk1MNEdo_bIcOOaUQbUHdWpQwTd1yqPDjPRXMNJ_t4g3AxqYmVmPiBBrOk2G5PNBXlSnjYzp1R5vKshs/s1600/Embracing+This+Ability+book+cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="697" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoDT6eJ6o15p1G4RGWXwnp_VUnnetxjEpqizK7rLbMj94l48FmqKgk1MNEdo_bIcOOaUQbUHdWpQwTd1yqPDjPRXMNJ_t4g3AxqYmVmPiBBrOk2G5PNBXlSnjYzp1R5vKshs/s400/Embracing+This+Ability+book+cover.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Embracing <strike>Disability</strike> This Ability</i></td></tr>
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<i><b>*Note</b>: This article serves as the introduction section of my book "<b>Embracing <strike>Disability</strike> This Ability: A Family's Journey with Cerebral Palsy"</b> that will be launched on September 14, 2018 @ 5:30PM at the <b>Manila International Book Fair (MIBF)</b> by <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CSMPublishing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CSM Publishing</a></b>. </i><i>Thank you for reading! I pray that you will find encouragement and hope from our story :) </i></div>
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<i><b>*Edited 2019</b>:</i> <i><b>Embracing <strike>Disability</strike> This Ability </b>is now available in the Philippines at National Book Store, PCBS, and other bookstores nationwide as well as online from Lazada and Shopee. For those in the U.S. who are interested in getting a copy, please send me a private message via the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EmbracingThisAbility/" target="_blank">Embracing This Ability Facebook page</a></b>. </i><i>By the way, you can now read <b>Chapter 1</b>, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1sR22OEodqubzhZc2FSOXJsOE14ZHp0em5FSTNCZ0pQbHNN/view" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>*<b>Edited 2021:</b> </i><i><b>Embracing <strike>Disability</strike> This Ability </b>is now available as an eBook on Amazon! You can now purchase your copy, here: </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3v7SKGl" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3v7SKGl</a>. Thank you! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-33864184835451176512018-08-10T04:01:00.000-07:002019-12-28T17:06:00.661-08:00Home Is Where the Heart Is -- Our Family's Migration Story<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love traveling and exploring new places, especially with my family. But on those instances when I have to travel for work, I always look forward to <b>coming home</b> and once more being with the people I love. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj9duWdJ9_XUi5cSnnscgFgN_ko4kcY2BV6Jmp3OCtgeKm-2okZM4doX2qI8qZiz3cSQfND2dFv6v2qG0XzrpBE1RhJahBc1x1TdrA86sw75EZ0fFj2bLTW4WqmTdaLa5yMA/s1600/team+floresca+in+baguio+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="640" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj9duWdJ9_XUi5cSnnscgFgN_ko4kcY2BV6Jmp3OCtgeKm-2okZM4doX2qI8qZiz3cSQfND2dFv6v2qG0XzrpBE1RhJahBc1x1TdrA86sw75EZ0fFj2bLTW4WqmTdaLa5yMA/s400/team+floresca+in+baguio+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baguio City, circa 2001</i></td></tr>
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When my husband Nonoy and I were still a young couple, we decided that <b>working abroad</b> and leaving the other behind to look after our four sons should never be an option. Especially since our third son, James, has <b>special needs</b> and requires the care of both parents, we agreed to face <b>financial challenges</b> together rather than choose to work overseas and earn more, but at the cost of just one parent raising the kids alone. </div>
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We held on to our faith that God will see us through anything. And you know what? The Lord sustained us and provided for our needs, particularly during really trying times! Our prayer continued to be that if it was really <b>God’s plan</b> for one of us to work abroad, please let us go there as a whole family and not leave anyone behind.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvqGlzHMEfkbMNv50cmZOoxwhLgwAM0moZIykPyb_oRLa5m0nGycPj3RefekhmJ_vW5iE5xPcessih6dsRa9s-AihCy2dbHss8rZ0nIuhb6EyyanOG9yDH2W9duA6pYLSatQ/s1600/team+floresca+2009+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="640" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvqGlzHMEfkbMNv50cmZOoxwhLgwAM0moZIykPyb_oRLa5m0nGycPj3RefekhmJ_vW5iE5xPcessih6dsRa9s-AihCy2dbHss8rZ0nIuhb6EyyanOG9yDH2W9duA6pYLSatQ/s400/team+floresca+2009+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>New Year 2009</i></td></tr>
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<b>In Limbo</b></div>
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Several years ago, we found out that despite the passing of my USAFE (United States Army of the Far East) veteran father-in-law in 1999, the petition he filed in 1993 for my husband and Noy’s sister (my third sister-in-law) was approved. Moreover, the petition could be passed on to a family member who’s willing to continue the sponsorship.</div>
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My first sister-in-law, who lives in Guam, asked us if we’d like to pursue the petition. Knowing that the U.S. is a lot more medically and technologically advanced than our home country, Noy and I started dreaming of better opportunities for James, our son with cerebral palsy, and our three other sons. Once more, our prayer remained that, God willing, He would allow all six of us to migrate abroad.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YWh55Pb0gO2lmUU_7FmzvgwMfE3ld34JZ35_xx_ypt9TMWgLvmGdeU5zh9h8JpwxnorU2bmwMfhF4nRrdpp10Pz-hecktO_ZO_nIIFlhMzEyKU6clvdaSthdxpzSxV65fgg/s1600/team+floresca+2014+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="640" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YWh55Pb0gO2lmUU_7FmzvgwMfE3ld34JZ35_xx_ypt9TMWgLvmGdeU5zh9h8JpwxnorU2bmwMfhF4nRrdpp10Pz-hecktO_ZO_nIIFlhMzEyKU6clvdaSthdxpzSxV65fgg/s400/team+floresca+2014+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>New Year 2014</i></td></tr>
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Around 2014, my two US-based sisters-in-law started doing everything they could to process our papers. They consulted an <b>immigration lawyer</b> who facilitated the changing of my husband’s petition category from single to married, and hired another attorney to ensure that our oldest son, who was about to turn 21, would not be denied a visa.</div>
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The back and forth submissions and approvals of documents took many, many months. Each time we thought we’d completed everything, we’d be asked to submit a certificate, another file, and another, and another until we were left wondering if that phase of submitting requirements would ever end.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For more than three years, our family felt like we were living in limbo, unable to make long-term plans, uncertain if we could really leave or not. Many times, we had prayer moments where we pleaded with God to just let us receive a yes or no answer from the <b>United States Citizenship and Immigration Services</b> so we can be done with the seemingly endless wait and move on with our lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaJfprCP71yp-ObNXu-YHqYAoSpxTwgJJ2MEM162-9dxaWk5TMr9agJJeXgNRHiUq07_vpQ1Hril6v6DtEb9pQ6cks8vBkATo16N0m7gNRsn3-3KzMCNAnI8c_uf9O6YTMa4/s1600/team+floresca+on+james%2527+17th+bday+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaJfprCP71yp-ObNXu-YHqYAoSpxTwgJJ2MEM162-9dxaWk5TMr9agJJeXgNRHiUq07_vpQ1Hril6v6DtEb9pQ6cks8vBkATo16N0m7gNRsn3-3KzMCNAnI8c_uf9O6YTMa4/s400/team+floresca+on+james%2527+17th+bday+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>celebrating James' 17th birthday in 2014</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Roller-Coaster Ride</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In early May 2017, we finally received our visa interview scheduled for June at the <b>U.S. Embassy</b>. From experience, we anticipated more bumps ahead, but we held on to our faith that God will see us through until the end of the journey.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, two of our sons initially didn’t pass the U.S.-mandated medical exam and had to undergo additional tests. Only four of us went to the June interview where our eldest son, Rey, was almost denied a visa due to the “age-out” issue. Despite our pleas, the consul refused to look over the legal papers drafted by our lawyer proving that Rey was still a minor when the petition was reinstated.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were all in tears as we approached the releasing section to receive further instructions. Obviously, it was impossible to feel elated about going home with just three visas instead of four. Mercifully, the lady at window scrutinized our documents thoroughly and told us to wait as she consulted her supervisor, who then returned our family’s thick file to the consul.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After what seemed like an eternity, we were called back to the window to be told that Rey would also be issued a visa. As always, God was watching over us!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh1A0s6zkyNV06wULiU-48kHCp0BgvsKgcdi1EqV3vBmlJGUfHwrrEkSUKq0dXYciqxG6cJzmSjVh9ldI8weREL_IQrUJLyxkcdmiAsd16Y9vf57vKiFK5WNNpHfg7F7lqh4/s1600/team+floresca+june+2017+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="640" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh1A0s6zkyNV06wULiU-48kHCp0BgvsKgcdi1EqV3vBmlJGUfHwrrEkSUKq0dXYciqxG6cJzmSjVh9ldI8weREL_IQrUJLyxkcdmiAsd16Y9vf57vKiFK5WNNpHfg7F7lqh4/s400/team+floresca+june+2017+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>June 2017 -- after the visa interview<br />(minus Rey who was already late for work after spending five hours in the U.S. Embassy) </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With plans to travel together, we waited for two months for James’ and Josh’s test results, only to find out that our special child had to undergo another series of medical clearances. Although a difficult decision, we all agreed that my husband and two sons should fly ahead to the U.S. in early September so that Daniel, the youngest, could still make it to senior high school enrollment.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Josh, who was approved for a visa in August, insisted he stay behind to help me take care of James while we waited another couple of months for more of his brother’s additional medical test results. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first month away from my husband and two sons was tough. Thankfully, the video calls, often-teary conversations, that we made almost every day helped us to cope. None of us thought things would get more difficult, but they did.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VNLH17k97n_3ZPhFtOhUkB0pcBXdRGymtN8SGtUDerpepzypyDIFTgAIk3FjCUcYb8QfwEtABW5cjLEQB_fgCWir-jtdxQ0HOdgUrl4wX3fazUnibXNW8ntWvWNvuyMJr4Q/s1600/team+floresca+in+CA+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="640" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VNLH17k97n_3ZPhFtOhUkB0pcBXdRGymtN8SGtUDerpepzypyDIFTgAIk3FjCUcYb8QfwEtABW5cjLEQB_fgCWir-jtdxQ0HOdgUrl4wX3fazUnibXNW8ntWvWNvuyMJr4Q/s400/team+floresca+in+CA+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>first batch to arrive in California greeted by my two sisters-in-law</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Final hurdles</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a long and stressful day when Josh and I brought James back to the <b>St. Lukes Extension Clinic</b> the day before my special child’s U.S. visa interview in October. After 13 hours of waiting and lots of hassles in between, he was finally given medical clearance. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next day, we encountered another problem with a missing document the consul asked for but which was already submitted during the June interview. So I had to re-submit a copy of the said file via courier a day later, unsure whether James would be issued a visa any time soon, or if they would ask again for additional papers that would further delay the process. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With Josh’s visa expiring earlier than mine due to the additional medical tests he had to undergo, my second son had to be booked on a solo flight so he would arrive in the U.S. without any problems. This new development left James and me alone for another month.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSFvm5WMNahhG1JoCn2cuDP1Aq9uRDvMdi90lhg3xF2n9QeVsK8XOQGHG4IuCSGsMcyrjIRUI-tF-OuLoqP8oCGA41SV-mP9hbAnRUsiDr665OYaTCk9wQq2pkc2mXBAMg88/s1600/james%2527+20th+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSFvm5WMNahhG1JoCn2cuDP1Aq9uRDvMdi90lhg3xF2n9QeVsK8XOQGHG4IuCSGsMcyrjIRUI-tF-OuLoqP8oCGA41SV-mP9hbAnRUsiDr665OYaTCk9wQq2pkc2mXBAMg88/s400/james%2527+20th+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>James' 20th birthday without his dad and two brothers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those weeks were probably some of the loneliest in our lives, when I realized that homesickness isn’t really tied to a physical place. Rather, it is about separation from desperately missed loved ones. Now I know firsthand that it is possible to be homesick for people, too! Our house in Alabang by then already felt like an empty shell.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As days turned into weeks with no visa in sight and no updates from the U.S. Embassy call center agents I talk to almost everyday, I began to wonder if I’d ever see my family again. Although I kept busy during the day packing and selling what’s left of our stuff, I would feel deep despair at night as I watched James sleep, while longing for my husband and other sons. Once more, faith in God’s plans kept us hoping for the best. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It felt surreal when James’ visa finally arrived at the house and the mad scramble for last minute packing finally began. Despite my worries of how to survive a 20-hour trip with a wheelchair-bound child in tow plus four big pieces of luggage and another four carry on bags, my determination to do everything I could to be with my family was greater than any other hurdles I may still encounter.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHohYQ9BexJ-x1ySXaoDw4GIph9ayKE7TOaRuHQKun6V6DlmQt4tgV1Qlxggj74dCRDxSmOV8hMd-jYeospHNqMPS5fEqaixtOJmzR-DGHo7NGZfurFT3VBOc1IPaJU2GMcE/s1600/family+group+pic+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHohYQ9BexJ-x1ySXaoDw4GIph9ayKE7TOaRuHQKun6V6DlmQt4tgV1Qlxggj74dCRDxSmOV8hMd-jYeospHNqMPS5fEqaixtOJmzR-DGHo7NGZfurFT3VBOc1IPaJU2GMcE/s400/family+group+pic+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>saying goodbye to my extended family at the airport</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Coming home</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was deeply grateful that my mom, siblings, and nieces arrived the day before our departure to help me clean the house and finalize everything before my son and I left for the airport. Their love and support were such a welcome reprieve from the loneliness of the past weeks. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The date <b>November 16, 2017</b> will forever remain in my memory as the day I finally found myself home again when I felt my husband’s arms around me the moment James and I emerged from LAX’s arrival ramp. All the apprehensions and exhaustion instantly faded away with the knowledge that we were, indeed, finally where we were supposed to be.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve read somewhere that we will never know how strong we could be until being strong is the only option we have left. I can attest to that, given everything that we’ve been through since we started our immigration process.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-EWzkEKig3yLykRiV02egBzsSX4EYGFqmaxM8BRTvVgQn5jZV5w2uLnp9IhxMVmq4vyGB40N05QVKPBttP3KeafY-GYH1sUdOps_iP4xdhUBnZZE6zBpOXitgQhHZ5oQrnY/s1600/team+floresca+2018+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="644" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-EWzkEKig3yLykRiV02egBzsSX4EYGFqmaxM8BRTvVgQn5jZV5w2uLnp9IhxMVmq4vyGB40N05QVKPBttP3KeafY-GYH1sUdOps_iP4xdhUBnZZE6zBpOXitgQhHZ5oQrnY/s400/team+floresca+2018+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>California, March 2018 </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’m sharing our story to encourage other families to keep holding on to each other and to continue trusting in God’s leading in the midst of challenges and temporary separations. Have faith that He will see you through. Remember, too, that many times, life may take us to unexpected places, but love will always bring us home. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>NOTE:</b> This story was originally published on pp. 17-19 in <b>Family Matters Magazine</b>'s June-Aug 2018 issue, the digital copy of which can be found, <u><a href="https://issuu.com/donboscofin/docs/family_matters_june-august_2018" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></u>.</i></div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-91394932939799007762018-06-25T17:57:00.000-07:002018-06-25T17:57:18.083-07:00On Hiatus<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dear readers, my apologies for not being able to update my blog for quite a while now. There have been so many changes in my family's life in the past year that required a lot of my time. Don't worry though because I'll be back with new posts and stories, soon! :)</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV-j1a1dCxJTcS5QEoMhp4InS7dwF4I5PE5ZtpKkpn3zlTlEYAtJJN7kZHpf4xBbqUvzLNVmQt7jHlzb3yMM1z2xXpk1fbiCNI4lPvfgBmbXzCzcu1OvCGc0JtUs5HA6xNHo/s1600/ruth+floresca+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYV-j1a1dCxJTcS5QEoMhp4InS7dwF4I5PE5ZtpKkpn3zlTlEYAtJJN7kZHpf4xBbqUvzLNVmQt7jHlzb3yMM1z2xXpk1fbiCNI4lPvfgBmbXzCzcu1OvCGc0JtUs5HA6xNHo/s400/ruth+floresca+2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-46793324281785782212018-02-22T03:36:00.000-08:002018-07-03T20:11:09.590-07:008 Beautiful Quotes from Anna Quindlen's "How Reading Changed My Life"<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was in first grade when I started to get hooked on <b>books</b> and filled up several <b>library cards</b> every school year from constant borrowing. In high school, I once received an anonymous note (still tucked somewhere inside a box in my childhood home) that said, "You irritate me because you're always reading!" In my mind, I simply answered, "Whoever you are, I wouldn't expect ignorant people like you to understand why I love to read!"</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9_bklolMmKEyWwNzS3vczi7esjYN5kYUttfUjkiAFlLB8RDQrStz-oEb4PqLLv8uv03qP0MUPE_JFmiIoSYd5Hc60KhE3TT8MkHYttYoihyphenhyphen9QfQs1oRZOkmemDL77NUiwxQ/s1600/how+reading+changed+my+life+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9_bklolMmKEyWwNzS3vczi7esjYN5kYUttfUjkiAFlLB8RDQrStz-oEb4PqLLv8uv03qP0MUPE_JFmiIoSYd5Hc60KhE3TT8MkHYttYoihyphenhyphen9QfQs1oRZOkmemDL77NUiwxQ/s400/how+reading+changed+my+life+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anna Quindlen fan</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Honestly, I was surprised to find out that famous author, <b>Anna Quindlen</b>, had a similar experience during her childhood. Somehow, it feels nice to know that I wasn't alone in being "persecuted" for having that insatiable urge to read. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although I have been a fan of her work for years, I only recently got my hands on "<b>How Reading Changed My Life</b>," which my son kindly borrowed for me from his school's library. Thankfully, their online catalog makes it easy to check what titles are available. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, I had to leave all my books in the Philippines when we moved to California a few months ago and I am still unable to build my <b>personal library</b> here due to space constraints. In the meantime, I have to be content reading borrowed titles and writing down passages that deeply resonated with me instead of highlighting them on the pages of tomes that I own.</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGmIIp13d06fgqWkB8HkBWhPhjaEX9ATvcsTUXDNyQkyMtEQ-0I7fahwA0oCbqUooNX992By_jmg3lnBP40b1ykYrss1hR3dYzFIFsIbCPIfMH20wwXW4BoVv5LF2-bYMsF0/s1600/reading+in+bed+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGmIIp13d06fgqWkB8HkBWhPhjaEX9ATvcsTUXDNyQkyMtEQ-0I7fahwA0oCbqUooNX992By_jmg3lnBP40b1ykYrss1hR3dYzFIFsIbCPIfMH20wwXW4BoVv5LF2-bYMsF0/s400/reading+in+bed+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my youngest son, who loved being read to by his dad at bedtime as a toddler, </i><br />
<i>is now in senior high, writes for the school paper, and is in the honor roll :)
</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's preserving in this blog post the <b>quotes</b> I liked most in the book so I would be able to come back to them more easily any time I'd want to. I hope that fellow <b>bookworms and writers</b> reading this would also appreciate the following lovely thoughts and messages ...</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Experience, emotion, landscape. The world is as layered as the earth, life cumulative with books. The eyewitnesses die, the written word lives forever."</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"We read in bed because reading is halfway between life and dreaming, our own consciousness in someone else's mind."</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"All of reading is really only finding ways to name ourselves and, perhaps, to name the others around us so that they will no longer seem like strangers ... I am not alone. I am surrounded by words that tell me who I am, why I feel what I feel." </i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sje6ifGrSDhD2UNJiYukFAjOQVZ07dZpF8UzC24MZxjeQyoqH3SaFVp_V6o5p6OahvK-Tuj1QJuwjm2_E6lhJu8L8Vowrx5LpXZVCKe9AaPo0zT3H-RPqDZJG-73bEau8HM/s1600/little+writer+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="696" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sje6ifGrSDhD2UNJiYukFAjOQVZ07dZpF8UzC24MZxjeQyoqH3SaFVp_V6o5p6OahvK-Tuj1QJuwjm2_E6lhJu8L8Vowrx5LpXZVCKe9AaPo0zT3H-RPqDZJG-73bEau8HM/s400/little+writer+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my second son, who's now 22, already had numerous articles </i><br />
<i>published in newspapers and magazines since he was 13 </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"We are writers. We danced with the words, as children, in what became familiar patterns. The words became our friends and our companions, and without saying it aloud, a thought danced with them. I can do this. This is who I am."</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Perhaps it is true at base we readers are dissatisfied people, yearning to be elsewhere, to live vicariously through words in a way we cannot live directly through life. Perhaps we are the world's greatest nomads, if only in our minds."</i></div>
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<i>"This is what I like about traveling: the time on airplanes spent reading, solitary, happy. It turns out that when my younger self thought of taking wing, she wanted only to let her spirit soar. Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination and the journey. They are home."</i></div>
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<i>"In books I have traveled, not only to other worlds, but into my own. I learned who I was and who I wanted to be, what I might aspire to, and what I might dare to dream about my world and myself."</i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VJeT39uVE1Sd1CBYkPicjXFEG4u9Zh9ue6JPl4J-TLyuTHmCla-4SiwRXTywaHWjqk0wvbTdG4FJVUQDsSiYIsYWgajJ-OMHnvm_2DnZcjX8xIdKGOQTHEBmS0X7Uh0wKSM/s1600/books+exchange+gift+with+writers+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VJeT39uVE1Sd1CBYkPicjXFEG4u9Zh9ue6JPl4J-TLyuTHmCla-4SiwRXTywaHWjqk0wvbTdG4FJVUQDsSiYIsYWgajJ-OMHnvm_2DnZcjX8xIdKGOQTHEBmS0X7Uh0wKSM/s400/books+exchange+gift+with+writers+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>books as exchange gifts with fellow writers during our 2016 Christmas party</i></td></tr>
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<i>"There was waking, and there was sleeping. And then there were books, a kind of parallel universe in which anything might happen and frequently did, a universe in which I might be a newcomer but never really a stranger."</i></div>
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Deeply beautiful stuff, huh? What I love most about Anna Quindlen's writings is her ability to clearly express what she wants to say in finely crafted sentences that are a delight to read. If you like what you've read here, I suggest you look for "How Reading Changed My Life" and her other titles. Although I like her novels, I love her nonfiction works more -- "<b>Loud and Clear</b>," "<b>Thinking Out Loud</b>," "<b>Living Out Loud</b>," "<b>A Short Guide to a Happy Life</b>," and "<b>Being Perfect</b>" -- and miss my personal copies very much.</div>
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If you're also an Anna Quindlen fan, do share in the comments section which of her works touched your heart the most. I'd love to read your stories, too!</div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235217.post-17853916404353466932017-12-30T18:53:00.000-08:002017-12-30T18:53:11.387-08:009 Quotes That Will Bring Peace When Dealing with Difficult People<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before we cross over to 2018, may we remember these <b>wise words</b> that are too good not to share! Credits to <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_JwMOTzVESXXEdeW9VUwUg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Law of Universe</a></b> for compiling them ...</div>
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So we can keep on re-reading (and learn from) the sound advice, here's compiling the text versions:</div>
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1. The greatest <b>stress</b> we go through when dealing with a difficult person is not fueled by the words and actions of this person -- it is fueled by your mind that gives their words and actions importance.</div>
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2. It's OK to be upset. It's never OK to be cruel. Rage, resentment, and jealousy do not change the <b>hearts</b> of others -- they only change yours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdHM8a3Oq89A2uwhi6e6WT2wUmiT-K2fuI2FqFZD5fDGft0vXpg7qJTPKgOub4TZseGjxn1YsC4keV8WN3wsXdujd_fnZk_FToCNCdZo6COPmS4Kxs_ZLQ1ibYrv7WYfo0YQ/s1600/grumpy+cat+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdHM8a3Oq89A2uwhi6e6WT2wUmiT-K2fuI2FqFZD5fDGft0vXpg7qJTPKgOub4TZseGjxn1YsC4keV8WN3wsXdujd_fnZk_FToCNCdZo6COPmS4Kxs_ZLQ1ibYrv7WYfo0YQ/s400/grumpy+cat+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. Forgive others, not because they deserve <b>forgiveness</b>, but because you deserve <b>peace</b>. Free yourself of the burden of being an eternal victim.</div>
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4. Stay <b>positive</b> when negativity surrounds you. <b>Smile</b> when others refuse to. It's an easy way to <b>make a difference</b> in the world around you.</div>
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5. Gossip and drama ends at a <b>wise</b> person's ears. Be wise. Seek to <b>understand</b> before you attempt to judge. Use your <b>judgment</b> not as a weapon for putting others down, but as a tool for making positive <b>choices</b> that help you build your own <b><u><a href="http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2016/12/knowing-difference-between-personality.html" target="_blank">character</a></u></b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4EFqjJlNmJalg7HBSauUHJKNF4FNHNtExAq2muDiCYyHDQPGWspkzevRIfWF3bQbOzJQ7Qv9XR_UTrGa_D__wLVS7Lze-MPlapW141PeIajtajSJ5KFBmS16nz43dwpqI7E/s1600/white+flowers+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4EFqjJlNmJalg7HBSauUHJKNF4FNHNtExAq2muDiCYyHDQPGWspkzevRIfWF3bQbOzJQ7Qv9XR_UTrGa_D__wLVS7Lze-MPlapW141PeIajtajSJ5KFBmS16nz43dwpqI7E/s400/white+flowers+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. Always <b>set an example</b>. Treat everyone with <b>kindness</b> and <b>respect</b>, even those who are rude to you -- not because they are nice, but because YOU are. And do your best to be <b>thankful</b> for rude and difficult people, too -- they serve as <b>great reminders</b> of how not to be.</div>
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7. The way we treat people we strongly disagree with is a <b>report card</b> on what we've learned about <b>love</b>, <b>compassion</b>, and <b>kindness</b>. Life is too short to argue and fight. Count your <b>blessings</b>, value the people who matter, and move on from the drama with your head held high.</div>
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8. Don't expect to see positive changes in your <b>life</b> if you constantly surround yourself with difficult people. The great danger of being around difficult people too often is that you start to become like them without even knowing it. Just because you are kind to someone does NOT mean you have to spend extra time with them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14Rek68FYYxY07PxLISJjIA2OCvXc906iReOBQWKIgKh2Ou4eKxHfxaLFE1v_ZE3_lhAnhW47rqE2gkhIVUCZXgnldz8i3mVDFG6SPgeprqeNFFQ_K1qq21c9p90CEhnfYZY/s1600/sunset+-+mommywrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="606" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14Rek68FYYxY07PxLISJjIA2OCvXc906iReOBQWKIgKh2Ou4eKxHfxaLFE1v_ZE3_lhAnhW47rqE2gkhIVUCZXgnldz8i3mVDFG6SPgeprqeNFFQ_K1qq21c9p90CEhnfYZY/s400/sunset+-+mommywrites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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9. If you really want to be <b>happy</b> and <b>peaceful</b>, then stop being afraid of being yourself, and stop thinking about what others think of you every second. There's nothing selfish about giving yourself enough space for <b>self care</b>. Experience life on your terms and you'll <b>be life-giving</b> to others.</div>
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Have a meaningful year ahead, everyone! :)</div>
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Ruth Florescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06705548404383642956noreply@blogger.com0